Health And Disease Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that can cause disease
What are 3 examples of Viruses
- HIV/AIDS
- Influenza
- Tobaco Mosaic Virus (TMV)
How does influenza cause flu?
Infection of the epithelial cells - killing them leading them open to more infection.
What animals does the flu affect?
Mammals, including humans, pigs and birds - chickens.
What does HIV stand for?
“Human Immunodeficiency virus” (HIV)
What does AIDS stand for?
“Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome”
How does HIV cause illness?
Virus affects T helper cells which destroys immune system. This leaves people vulnerable to other diseases (e.g. pneumonia)
How is HIV transmitted?
- Unprotected sex
- Contaminated needles
- Contaminated blood products
- Mother - foetus during pregnancy.
Is there a cure for HIV?
There is no vaccine or cure, but drug treatments can slow the progress of the disease.
How many plant species does TMV infect?
150 plant species
What plants does TMV affect?
Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, petunias and delphiniums
How does TMV manifest itself?
- Damaged leaves, flowers and fruit with a mosaic pattern.
- Stunting growth and reduced yield, leading to almost total crop loss.
What size are viruses compared to bacteria?
0.02-0.3 micrometers
50x smaller than bacteria
Describe the structure of a virus
RNA or DNA surrounded by protein shell.
How do viruses cause illness?
Invade living cells and take over biochemistry so host makes more viruses.
- Rapidly evolve and are always pathogenic
What are 3 examples of Fungi?
Athlete’s foot, Black Sigatoka and Ringworm
What is the pathogen causing Athlete’s foot?
Tinia Pedia
What is Athlete’s foot?
A form of human ringworm that grows on and digests the warm, moist skin between the toes.
How does Athlete’s foot manifest?
Causes cracking and scaling, which is itchy and may become sore.
What treatment is there for athlete’s foot?
Anti-fungal creams are an effective cure
What is Black Sigatoka?
A banana disease caused by the fungus “Mycosphaerella fijensis”
How does Black Sigatoka cause illness in bananas?
Attacks and destroys the leaves.
- The hyphae penetrate and digest the cells, turning the leaves black.
What problems are caused by Black Sigatoka?
50% reduction in yield
What is a treatment for Black Sigatoka?
Fungicide (chemical that kills fungi) treatment can control the spread of the disease but there is no cure.
What is ringworm?
Fungal disease
What animal species does ringworm affect?
Mammals, including cattle, dogs, cats and humans
How does ringworm manifest?
Grey-white, crusty, infectious, circular areas of skin
What type of pathogen is a saprophyte (define it)
Fungi - saprophytes feed on dead and decaying matter.
How do fungi reproduce?
Millions of tiny spores are produced, which can spread rapidly through crop plants.
Describe the structure of a bacteria
Prokaryote with no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles.
How do bacteria replicate?
Binary fission (every 20mins)
What 2 ways can bacteria be classified?
By their cell wall - which react different to grain staining - its cell wall affects its ability to react to different antibiotics.
Can be classified by shape e.g. rod-shaped, spherical, comma shaped etc…
What are 3 examples of Bacteria
Bacterial meningitis, Ring rot and Tuberculosis (TB)
How does bacterial meningitis cause illness?
Meningitis affects the brain, which can spread into the rest of the body causing septicaemia (blood poisoning) and rapid death.
How does bacterial meningitis manifest?
Blotchy red/purple rash that doesn’t disappear when glass is pressed against it.
What treatment is used for meningitis?
Antibiotics can cure the disease
What plant species does ring rot affect?
Potatoes, tomatoes and aubergines
How does ring rot affect plants?
Damages leaves and fruit
It can destroy up to 80% of the crop and there is no cure.
Once bacterial ring rot infects a field, it cannot be used to grow potatoes again for at least two years.