Lesson 1: Pathogens Flashcards
1
Q
What are pathogens?
A
- Pathogens are micro- organisms that cause infectious disease.
2
Q
How do bacteria make us ill?
A
- Bacteria reproduce very rapidly
- can divide every 20 mins
- Bacteria release harmful chemicals (toxins)
- Toxins damage tissues: make us feel ill.
3
Q
Give 3 ways pathogens spread ?
A
1.) Air eg. by water droplets ie. influenza.
2.) Water eg. cholera
3.) Direct contact (touching surfaces, sex) eg. HIV.
4
Q
How are viruses different to bacteria?
A
- Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves.
- They need a host cell
5
Q
What are the 3 stages of a virus causing illness?
A
1.) Virus invades host cell
2.) Virus reproduces inside the host cell.
3.) Causes cell damage: Reproduction causes host cell to burst: making us feel ill.
6
Q
How do you reduce the spread of pathogens?
A
- Wash your hands before eating
- Provide people with clean water
- Isolate patients: prevents pathogen spreading to other people.
- Avoid direct contact ie. use a condom.
- Vaccination!!
7
Q
Give the 4 different types of pathogens.
A
- Virus
- Bacteria
- Protist
- Fungi
