Biology Topic 3: Infection and Response Flashcards
What are pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause infectious disease
Pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, protists, or fungi and can infect plants or animals.
How can the spread of diseases be reduced or prevented?
By reducing contact with pathogens and using barriers like vaccines
The immune system also plays a crucial role in pathogen defense.
What is the role of bacteria in disease?
Bacteria may reproduce rapidly and produce toxins that damage tissues
This can lead to illness and symptoms associated with infections.
How do viruses reproduce?
Viruses live and reproduce inside cells, causing cell damage.
What are the non-specific defence systems of the human body?
Skin, nose, trachea and bronchi, stomach
These systems help prevent pathogens from entering the body.
What is the function of white blood cells in the immune system?
Phagocytosis, antibody production, antitoxin production.
What is vaccination?
Introducing small quantities of dead or inactive pathogens to stimulate antibody production
This helps the body respond quickly to future infections.
True or False: Antibiotics can kill viral pathogens.
False.
What is the significance of antibiotic resistance?
Many groups of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, posing a challenge for treatment.
What is the purpose of preclinical testing in drug development?
To check safety and effectiveness using cells, tissues, and live animals.
How are monoclonal antibodies produced?
By combining mouse lymphocytes with tumor cells to form hybridoma cells that produce specific antibodies.
List some uses of monoclonal antibodies.
- For diagnosis (e.g., pregnancy tests)
- In laboratories to measure hormones and detect pathogens
- In research to locate specific molecules
- To treat diseases like cancer.
What are common symptoms of measles?
Fever and a red skin rash.
How is malaria spread?
By mosquitos, which are the vectors for the malarial protist.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Thick yellow or green discharge and pain on urinating.
What is rose black spot?
A fungal disease causing purple or black spots on leaves, which can reduce photosynthesis.
What are the physical plant defense responses?
- Cellulose cell walls
- Tough waxy cuticle on leaves
- Layers of dead cells around stems.
What are chemical plant defense responses?
- Antibacterial chemicals
- Poisons to deter herbivores.
What is the impact of nitrate deficiency in plants?
Causes stunted growth.
What is the importance of magnesium ions for plants?
Needed to make chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis.
