Diseases Flashcards
Histamine
A chemical produced by the mast cells that causes inflammation, runny nose and itchy throat.
Infectious disease
A disease that can be spread by physical contact
Interferon
A chemical released to inactivate a virus.
Antiseptic
Used on (only) the human body to prevent further growth of microbes.
Disinfectant
Destroys and kills microbes on non living objects. Eg. Bleach
Binary fission
The cell copies it’s DNA then splits into 2 separate cells - bacteria
An example of a prion
Mad Cow Disease
An example of a virus
Influenza
An example of bacteria
Cholera
Phagocytosis
The process of white blood cells (phagocytes) engulfing and destroying foreign matter in the body.
An example of a fungi
Athletes foot
Third line of defence specific/non-specific?
A specific response to each pathogen.
What are 3 examples of the first line of defence
Tears, intact skin, saliva, mucus, sweat, stomach acid.
Pathogens in the 3rd line of defence have what on them?
They have different antigens on their cell surfaces. So the white blood cells produce types of antibodies but only some can attach to the antigen.
How can the clumping together of antibodies when they attach to antigens destroy the pathogens?
It rips them apart and attracts phagocytes to come and engulf them.
Interferon
Chemicals released by infected cells to signal and warn neighbouring cells that its under attack by pathogens and attracts phagocytes
Fevers
Increase blood flow and body temp - faster flowing blood allows phagocytes to reach the infected area faster, interferons are more effective and under the high temperature the pathogens are less effective.
Why do we take Antihistamine tablets?
To take away the effect of the histamine that the body produces. To remove the symptoms caused by the body mistaking harmless substances like pollen grains for harmful pathogens. This is an allergic reaction.
An example of an antigen
Bacteria and other allergens such as pollen.
What are 2 aseptic techniques?
Wiping the bench before the experiment.
Using a Bunsen burner to clean the air around the agar plate and to remove bacteria - flame sterilisation
Having a different person turn the tap off and on during an experiment
Tape/seal plates
What is the inflammatory response?
A general response to an infection (2nd line of defence).
What is the smallest type of microbe?
Virus
How do prions reproduce?
Cells containing prions burst releasing more infections prions to infect other cells
How do bacteria reproduce?
Binary fission
How do viruses reproduce?
By infecting another host cell
How do fungi reproduce?
When they have absorbed enough food they can reproduce, they do this by producing spore cases full of spores ready to be released.
What do spore cases do?
Protect and grow the spores inside until they are ready, which they then burst out and fly away.
What is the purpose of the spores?
To spread more fungi to other food sources - their way of reproducing.
Are viruses considered living or non living?
Both
Why are viruses considered both living and non living?
They are considered to be non living because they cannot reproduce alone, they need a host and they are not made up of cells. However they are considered living because they have their own DNA.
Where can pathogens enter the body?
Eyes, mouth, skin, genitals, ears, nose and cuts in skin.
How are diseases transmitted?
Transmission by vectors, contact, air, sexual contact and water.
What is production by viruses called?
Lytic cycle