L5: microbes Flashcards
Can going out in the cold infect you with a cold
No
Is a red face a sign of good health
No
Can looking at your fingernails give clues to your health
Yes
Is smoking good for your health
No
Can you catch diseases from kissing
Yes
Are there no fungal diseases that affect humans
No
Can your dog pass a number of diseases on to you
Yes
What is the definition of a microbe
Microorganism
What is a microbe
A living thing that is too small to see without a microscope
What is a micron
A thousandth of a mm
What is the human microbiome
All the microbes that live in and on humans and all of their genes
What is having a healthy and diverse microbiome known for
Keeping us healthy
Name four things that microbes in our bodies help with
Digesting food
Making vitamins
Help defend against disease
Regulating the immune system
How much does the human microbiome weigh
2-3kg in an adult
How does our microbiome make its physical presence even though it is invisible
Occasional noises and smells
Name two ways our microbiome affect our nose
Mucus production
Antimicrobial chemicals
Name two ways our microbiome affect our mouth
Assist digestion
Ward off pathogens
Name one way our microbiome affect our lungs
Lubricate pulmonary tissues
What does lubricate mean
Minimising friction and allowing smooth movement
Name one way our microbiome affect our stomach
Prevents gastric complications
What does gastric complications mean
Stomach issues
Name one way our microbiome affect our colon
Digestion of complex carbs
What is a colon
Our intestines
Name one way our microbiome affect our sexual organs
Maintain pH and H2O2 production to kill microbes
Name two ways our microbiome affect our skin
Fortify immune system
Scent production
Name all benefits of live yoghurt (at least two)
Contains bacteria which helps our gut bacteria
Immune system support
Less constipation, stomach acidity and diarrhoea
Lower body fat
Protection against food poisoning bugs
Stronger bones
Fresher breath
What are disease causing microbes called
Pathogens
How do pathogens make us unwell
They spread from person to person
What type of diseases do pathogens cause
Communicable diseases
What two ways do microbes spread
Direct (person to person) or indirect (through an object)
Name three examples of microbes directly spreading
Air- coughs and sneezes
Skin- shaking hands, kissing
Bodily fluids- e.g. blood and urine
Name three examples of microbes indirectly spreading
Objects- door handles
Contaminated food and water
Vectors- fleas and mosquitos
Can the same microbe be transmitted by more than one route
Yes
Name three ways to prevent infection
Washing hands
Get vaccinated
Keep yourself hydrated and keep your skin moisturised
