Pathogens Flashcards
What are pathogens
They are microrganisms that can cause communicable diseases. Like bacteria protists fungi and viruses.
Describe bacteria and viruses and why they make us ill
Bacteria have no nucleus they have plasmids. They are smaller than our cells. They produce toxins which damge cells making us feel ill
Viruses are way smaller than bacteria. They are not cells. They get inside our cells and code our cells to reproduce more viruses. These new viruses then burst out the cell releasing more viruses.
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Describe protists and fungi and how they make us ill
Protists are usually single celled. They are usually acting as parasites living on or in and organism. They are usually transfered through vectors.
Fungi can be multi or single celled. They can penetrate the skin of plants and animals. They can produce spores which can lead to more fungi cells.
How do pathogens spread
Vector-Another organism carrying the pathogen
Water-Drinking or bathing in contaminated water
Air-Air droplets from sneezing or coughing that can be breathed in
Direct Contact- Through sexual contact or contact with contaminated objects
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Describe Measels and HIV and how to prevrent them
Measels is a viral disease that is spread through air droplets from an infected persons cough. Symptons are a fever and a red skin rash. It can lead to inflamation of the brain and pneumonia. A way to deter the virus is vaccination from a young age.
HIV is spread through** sexual contact** or by exchanging bodily fluids like blood by sharing needles. Flu symptons for the first few weeks. The virus is dormant for the first couple years. It should be treated with antiviral drugs. It attacks the immune system leading to being prone to other diseases. At this point it is known as Aids
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Describe Malaria and how to prevent it
Malaria is a protist disease carried by the vector mosquitos. The protist is** picked up** from the vector when they feed on an infected animal. By feeding on another animal they pass on the protist. The symptons are** repeating fevers** which can be fatal. The spread can be stopped by destroying the breeding spots and using insectides and mosquito nets.
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Plants can contract diseases:What is TMV and Rose black spot
TMV or tobacco mosaic virus is a virus that affects many plants like tomatoes. It cause a mosaic pattern and the plants cannot carry out photosynthesis.
Rose black spot is a fungal disease that cause black spots on rose plants. Photosynthesis cant happen and it spreads through water or wind.The disease is treated through fungicides and by stripping the plant of its affected leaves so that the plant can grow.
