Microbes: Health and Disease Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A disease that can be transmitted from one person to another.
What is a non-communicable disease?
A disease that can not be transmitted from one person to another
What are some examples of communicable diseases?
Measles, mumps, influenza, rubella, malaria etc.
What are some examples of non-communicable diseases?
Cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes asthma etc,
What are microbes?
Very small living things that can only be seen with a microscope
What are dangerous microbes called?
Pathogens
What are the 3 classes of microbes?
Viruses, bacteria and fungi
How is a virus structured?
A head capsule which contains DNA and a long tail with an end plate attached
Why are viruses dangerous?
They cause many diseases including all flu, chicken pox, mumps and AIDS.
Why can’t you be immune to the flu?
Because flu viruses can change into many different forms
Why can viruses be useful?
Because they can be used in genetic engineering and vaccines
What is the structure of cocci like?
Spherical
What is the structure of bacilli like?
They are rod shaped
What is the structure of spirochetes like?
Spirals
What is the function of a flagelllum?
It allows them to move
Why are bacteria dangerous?
They are responsible for many illnesses including MRSA, salmonella and TB. They also cause food to go off
What are bacterial infections treated with?
Antibiotics
What are some uses of bacteria?
For the production of yoghurt, treating sewage and genetic engineering
What is the structure of fungi like?
They have a spore case and a network of threads
What is the structure of fungi called?
A mycelium
Why is fungi dangerous?
They are responsible for athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush. They can also spoil food
Which is the best known fungus?
Yeast
What industries is fungi used in?
Cheese, baking and brewing industries
What are harmful microbes called?
Pathogens
How are pathogens spread?
Through direct contact, indirect contact, air and water.
