Infection and Response Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A disease caused by pathogens that can be spread between individuals within a population.
Also known as infectious disease.
Give examples of infectious diseases.
- Cholera
- HIV/AIDS
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
What are the main types of pathogens?
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Protoctists
How can disease transmission occur?
- Direct contact
- Contaminated water
- Airborne droplets
What is one method to prevent the spread of pathogens?
Good hygiene practices.
This includes handwashing and cleaning surfaces.
Fill in the blank: Bacteria reproduce rapidly and can produce _______ which damage tissues.
[toxins]
What is the role of phagocytes in the immune system?
To engulf and digest pathogens.
Phagocytosis can be enhanced by antibodies.
What is the function of lymphocytes in the immune response?
To produce antibodies specific to pathogens.
Lymphocytes can also produce memory cells.
True or False: Viruses are classified as living organisms.
False
They do not fulfill the seven life processes.
What does vaccination provide?
Artificial immunity by exposing an individual to antigens.
This triggers an immune response and memory cell formation.
What is herd immunity?
When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the spread of disease.
It protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
What are antibiotics used for?
To cure bacterial diseases by killing infective bacteria inside the body.
What is passive immunity?
Immunity gained from antibodies provided by another organism.
Example: Antibodies in breast milk.
What is the difference between active immunity and passive immunity?
- Active immunity: Body creates antibodies (natural exposure or vaccination)
- Passive immunity: Antibodies given from another organism
What is the main component of the immune system?
White blood cells.
They play crucial roles in defending against pathogens.
Fill in the blank: Lymphocytes produce _______ that are specific to the antigens on pathogens.
[antibodies]
What is the function of antitoxins?
To neutralize the effects of toxins produced by pathogens.
What is the first virus to be isolated by scientists?
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
What is a common method to control malaria transmission?
Preventing mosquito breeding and using mosquito nets.
What happens when a pathogen enters the body?
The immune system activates to prevent reproduction and destroy the pathogen.
How do vaccines work?
By introducing small quantities of dead or inactive pathogens to stimulate antibody production.
What is the effect of antibiotics on animal cells?
Antibiotics are not harmful to animal cells as they specifically target bacterial processes.
What is an example of a fungal disease affecting humans?
Athlete’s foot.
What is the role of the WHO regarding vaccines?
To monitor global diseases and vaccination rates.
What are antibiotics?
Substances that stop bacteria cellular processes, affecting processes usually only in bacteria
Why is it important to use specific antibiotics for certain bacteria?
Specific bacteria should be treated by specific antibiotics known to work against them
What was the first antibiotic to be discovered?
Penicillin
Do antibiotics work against viruses?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses
What do painkillers do?
Treat the symptoms of disease but do not kill pathogens
What has caused antibiotic resistance?
Overuse of antibiotics leading to the development of resistant bacterial species
What is MRSA?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria resistant to methicillin
How do bacteria develop antibiotic resistance?
Through random mutations in their DNA that confer resistance
What practices can help reduce the number of resistant bacteria?
Avoid overuse of antibiotics, prescribe only when needed, finish the whole course
What hygiene practices can reduce the spread of resistant strains?
Handwashing and use of hand sanitizers
How are new drugs traditionally discovered?
Extracted from plants and microorganisms
What is the origin of the heart drug digitalis?
Foxgloves
Who discovered penicillin?
Alexander Fleming
What is preclinical testing?
Testing done in a laboratory using cells, tissues, and live animals
What are the three stages of drug development?
- Preclinical Testing
- Clinical Trials
- Whole Organism Testing
What is a double-blind trial?
A study where neither the doctor nor the patient knows if the patient is receiving the placebo or the active drug
What are future medications that pharmaceutical companies are looking for?
- Vaccinations to different diseases
- New antibiotics with different actions
- Painkillers with fewer side effects
- Antiviral drugs that don’t damage body tissues
Fill in the blank: Antibiotics should not be used for _______.
viral infections
True or False: Antibiotics are effective against all types of infections.
False
What is the significance of testing new drugs?
To ensure safety, efficacy, and determine the lowest effective dose
What is the role of peer review in drug testing?
To ensure results are described accurately before publication
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Antibodies made by identical immune cells, which are clones of a parent cell.
What shape are antibodies and what are they made by?
Y shaped proteins made by lymphocytes.
What is the specificity of monoclonal antibodies?
Specific to one binding site on one protein antigen.
How are monoclonal antibodies produced?
By stimulating mouse lymphocytes to make a particular antibody by exposing them to an antigen.
What happens to the antigen in the production of monoclonal antibodies?
The antigen is injected into a mouse and combined with a tumour cell to make clones of the antibody.
What is a hybridoma cell?
A cell formed by the fusion of a lymphocyte and a tumour cell that can both divide and produce antibodies.
Why are tumour cells used in the creation of monoclonal antibodies?
They can divide repeatedly.
What is the result of cloning single hybridoma cells?
Many divisions producing high quantities of identical cells that all produce the same antibody.
What are some uses of monoclonal antibodies?
In pregnancy tests, measuring hormone levels, detecting pathogens, and treating diseases.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat cancer?
They can be bound to a radioactive substance, a toxic drug, or a chemical that stops cells from growing.
What ethical considerations are associated with monoclonal antibodies?
Consideration of the ethical issues arising from their production and use.
What are some advantages of monoclonal antibodies?
Potential for improving diagnosis and treatment.
What are some disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies?
They create more side effects than expected, hampering their use.
True or False: Monoclonal antibodies create only one type of antibody.
True.
Fill in the blank: Monoclonal antibodies are specific to a _______.
[binding site on one protein antigen].
What types of pathogens can infect plants?
Bacterial and viral pathogens, such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and rose black spot fungus
These pathogens can cause various diseases in plants.
What insect is known to infest plants and how does it feed?
Aphids; they have long sharp mouthpieces that pierce the stem and feed on phloem sap
Aphids can infest plants in large numbers, weakening them.
What are the best methods for controlling aphid infestation?
Biological pest control using ladybirds and chemical pesticides
Ladybirds are natural predators of aphids.
Why is early detection of plant infections important?
It allows for quicker treatment, improving the chances of recovery
Symptoms of diseases can vary, complicating identification.
How can plant diseases be identified?
By comparing symptoms to gardening manuals or online resources
Experts may also take samples for DNA analysis to identify specific pathogens.
What tools can be used to quickly identify plant pathogens?
Testing kits containing monoclonal antibodies
These kits allow for rapid identification of pathogens in the field.
What do plants need to function properly?
The correct amount of nutrients
Nutrient deficiencies can be addressed with fertilizers.
What do NPK ratios in fertilizers represent?
The ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)
These elements are essential for plant growth.
What are the two main categories of plant defense mechanisms?
Physical and chemical defences
These defenses help protect plants from infections and herbivores.
Give an example of a physical defense in plants.
Cellulose cell wall
It provides support and protects against microorganisms.
What role does the waxy cuticle play in plant defense?
It acts as a barrier to microbes entering the plant
Microbes can only enter through stomata.
How does bark contribute to plant defense?
It provides a tough layer around the stem to prevent pathogen entry
Bark acts as a protective barrier.
What kind of chemicals do many plants produce for defense?
Chemicals with antimicrobial properties
These can be used in herbal products for their antibacterial effects.
What is the impact of herbivores on plants?
They can damage plant structures and deplete essential nutrients
This can hinder flowering and reproduction.
What is an important strategy for answering exam questions about plant adaptations?
Link adaptations to their benefits for the plant
This demonstrates understanding of plant biology.
Fill in the blank: Plants can suffer from _______ if they do not receive adequate nutrients.
mineral deficiencies
This can affect their overall health and growth.
