Microbes Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A disease that can be transferred form one person to another, or from one organism to another
What is a non-communicable disease?
Those that are not transferred between people or other organisms
What is a pathogen
Is a microbe that is dangerous and makes us ill
What is the structure of a bacteria
Have one cell and are shaped like a sphere rod and spiral
Structure of a virus
Small, smaller than bacteria and need a host cell so they can grow
Structure of fungi
Network of threads find them in damp places
What is a microbe
An organism that can only be seen with the aid of a microscope
What can microorganisms be grown on?
Agar gel/jelly in a petri dish
How are humans protected against pathogens
Immune system and non specific defences
Give examples of non specific defences
Skin, stomach acid, tears, cilia and mucus
What do phagocytes do?
Engulf and digest pathogens
What do lymphocytes do?
Produce antibody molecules that cause bacteria to burst or clump together for the phagocyte to engulf.
What is the Aseptic technique?
Working in an environment that reduces the chances of contamination.
Who was Edward Jenner
The English doctor who fist developed vaccinations
Who first discovered antibiotics?
Alexander Fleming
What do antibiotics do?
Kill bacteria
What is a superbug?
Bacteria that are now resistant to antibiotics because of an overuse. Charles Darwin evolution theory, only strongest survive.
Define outbreak
A sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease. Occurs in a community or geographical area
Define epidemic
When an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people.
Define pandemic
A global disease outbreak. Humans may have little to no protection against the rapidly spreading virus.
What shape are cocci?
Sphere
What shape are baccilli?
Rod
What shape are spirochetes?
Spiral
How do antibiotics work?
Antibiotics work by attacking the cell wall or strands of DNA in a bacteria cell.