A1 Understand health issues page 9 Flashcards
What are fungi, and what role do some fungi play in ecosystems?
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, some of which support ecosystems by breaking down dead matter to recycle nutrients.
What are some fungal infections that affect humans?
Fungal infections in humans include candidiasis (thrush), ringworm, athlete’s foot, and farmer’s lung (aspergillosis).
What are protoctists, and what are some examples of diseases they cause?
Protoctists are eukaryotic microorganisms that don’t fit into other categories. They cause diseases like malaria, sleeping sickness, and amoebic dysentery.
What is a virus made of?
A virus consists of a protein coat and nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA, but not both.
What does ‘prokaryotic’ mean?
Prokaryotic cells lack a proper nucleus and have DNA that floats freely in the cytoplasm.
What does ‘pathogenic’ mean?
‘Pathogenic’ means capable of causing disease.
What does ‘eukaryotic’ mean?
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
How do viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protoctists differ in terms of their cellular structure?
Viruses are akaryotic (not containing cells), bacteria are prokaryotic, and fungi and protoctists are eukaryotic, meaning they have more complex cell structures.
