Fighting disease

Question 1

Which is bigger viruses or a bacteria?

Answer 1

bacteria are about 100 times larger than viruses

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of a virus

Answer 2

A tiny microorganism about 0.00001mm long
Consist of strands of genetic material coated in protein
Viruses invade cells making them reproduce millions of coipes of themselves
They damage cells and release poisons which make you ill.
They are not affected by antibiotics

Question 3

Identify some diseases caused by viruses

Answer 3

Covid
Colds
Chicken pox
Rubella (German measles)

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of a bacterium

Answer 4

Bacteria are about 0.001mm long
They are living cells which exist almost everywhere
They grow and reproduce really quickly
Some bacteria are harmless and some cause ilnesses
Some attack body tissues making you ill.
Antibiotics DO affect bacteria

Question 5

Identify some diseases caused by bacteria

Answer 5

Food poisoning
tetnus
Whooping cough

Question 6

Which colour cells in your blood are part of the immune system?

Answer 6

White blood cells

Question 7

Explain how white blood cells help the immune system to defend the body against microorganisms

Answer 7

1. They engulf the microorganisms (like eating them)
2. They neutralise poisons made by the microorganisms
3. They produce antibodies which lock on to the antigen part of a microorganism killing it

Question 8

What is the name of the system which helps the body to defend itself against disease?

Answer 8

Immune system

Question 9

Explain how vaccinations can help defend against disease

Answer 9

Most vaccinations are injections of a tiny amount of dead or inactive microorganisms
The white blood cells make antibodies in the correct shape for the antigens on the microorgansim.
When the microorganisms infect the body at a point in the future antibodies are already in place ready to fight the disease.

Question 10

Explain how cleanliness can help prevent infections

Answer 10

Keeping things clean helps infections from entering the body.
Washing hands helps remove microorganisms which cling to our skin
Washing surfaces like chopping boards help prevent microorganisms from getting into our food.