Module 2 - Microbes And Defence Against Disease Flashcards
What are microbes
Microbes are very small living things that can only be seen clearly with a microscope
When we think of microbes what do we often think of
The diseases and illnesses they cause and it is true at many are extremely dangerous (these are the pathogens).
What are the extremely dangerous microbes called
Pathogens
What do we often forget about microbes
That they can also help us and that they have many useful applications
Microbe 1:
What is this microbe called
Bacteria
Microbe 1:
Give the description of bacterias structure
Cocci are spherical in shape
Bacilli are rod shaped
Spirochetes are spirals
Some may have a long filament called a flagellum attached - this allows them to move
Microbe 1:
Why is bacteria dangerous
Bacteria are responsible for numerous illnesses including: MRSA, salmonella and tuberculosis. They also cause food to go ‘off’
Microbe 1:
How can bacteria be useful
Some are very useful to humans - e.g. For production of yoghurt, treating sewage and in genetic engineering
Microbe 2:
What is this microbe called
Fungi
Microbe 2:
Give a description of fungis structure
They have a spore case and a network of threads forming a structure called a mycelium
Microbe 2:
Why is fungi dangerous
Fungi are responsible for the athletes foot infection as well as ringworm. They also spoil food e.g. Bread mould
Microbe 2:
How can fungi be useful
Yeast is probably the best known fungus - it is used in the baking and brewing industries. Fungi are also used in the cheese industry - think of smelly “blue” cheeses
Microbe 3:
What is this microbe called
Viruses
Microbe 3:
Give a descriptions of viruses structure
Their structure is a head capsule (that contains DNA) with a long tail with an end plate attached
Microbe 3:
How are viruses dangerous
Viruses cause many diseases including all flu (the influenza virus), chicken pox, mumps and AIDS (the HIV virus). Flu viruses can change into many different forms meaning that you cannot be immune to the flu
