Biology P1 - Infection and Response Flashcards
What is a microorganism?
Microorganisms are tiny living organisms which can be viewed under the microscope.
Name the main microorganisms
The 4 main microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists.
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that can cause disease
What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic
Pandemic - an epidemic that spreads through human populations over a wide region
Epidemic - when the incidence rate of a certain disease exceeds what is expected based on recent experience
Describe 3 ways in which pathogens are transmitted
Water, Air, Vector, Direct Contact
Explain how bacteria and viruses can cause disease
Bacteria - produce toxins and reproduce rapidly
Viruses - invade cells and reproduce inside until cells burst open
What is the smallest pathogen?
Virus
What pathogen is not a living organism?
Virus
Why can’t antibiotics be used to cure viral infections?
Because the virus is inside a cell, making it inaccessible to the antibiotic
What are bacteria?
They are tiny cells that come in beneficial forms and pathogenic forms that cause disease. Bacteria can release toxins that damage tissues and make us ill
What is malaria?
A disease caused by a protist called plasmodium
How does malaria spread?
Through a vector (mosquitos)
Describe 2 ways to prevent the spread of malaria
- Stop mosquitos breeding
- Bite prevention
- Insect repellent
Why do pathogenic diseases make you feel ill?
- Because they produce toxins and damage cells
- Your immune system is fighting them off with things like fevers
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
- Cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Headache
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
- Thick discharge from genitalia
How is malaria treated?
- Antimalarial medicines
What are the symptoms of malaria?
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle Pains
What is the life cycle of a mosquito?
- Mosquito lays eggs
- Raft of eggs
- Larva
- Pupa
How does our body prevent infection?
- White blood cells
- Platelets clotting wounds
- Mucus in breathing pathways
Your eyes prevent pathogens entering by…
Producing tears that contain an enzyme
How do clots form over wounds? (4 marks)
- Platelets in the blood are exposed to the air
- This triggers them to produce fibrin, which forms a sticky mesh that platelets attach to
How can pathogens get into our bodies?
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Nose
- Cuts
