Biology Homework 23.11.24 Flashcards
Body's defence and medicine.
What can medicines do?
Either treat the symptoms or treat the disease.
Why are there no medicines to treat viruses?
It is difficult to develop drugs that kill viruses without also damaging the body’s tissues.
What is the function of an antitoxin?
Neutralise toxins produced by pathogens by binding to them.
What is herd immunity?
When most of a population is vaccinated against a disease, meaning it is less likely to spread.
Describe the primary response to a pathogen.
Number of antibodies produced are quite low and take a long time. Symptoms of a disease are experienced while waiting for immune system to attack.
How does the stomach defend the body against pathogens?
Hydrochloric acid destroys microorganisms in mucus/food.
How do antibodies fight pathogens?
They attach to antigens and destroy pathogens.
What is the advantage of memory cells?
They help you become more resistant to pathogens.
What is the drug, ‘aspirin’?
It is extracted from a willow tree and is a painkiller.
What do painkillers do?
Treat some symptoms of disease and relieve pain.
What happens during phagocytosis?
Phagocyte is attracted to the area of infection, engulfs a pathogen, and releases enzymes to digest the pathogen.
Who discovered penicillin?
Alexander Flemming.
What are antigens?
Proteins on the surface of cells, e.g. pathogens.
Why are antibodies a specific defence?
Antibodies have a complimentary shape for the unique antigens on a pathogen.
What is a penicillin?
It is an antibiotic that was discovered from penicillum mould.
