Pathogens Flashcards
What is a pathogen
A micro-organism that causes communicable diseases
What is an example of a viral disease and how is it spread
HIV. it’s spread by sexual contact
What is an example of a bacterial disease and how is it caused by
Salmonella. It’s caused by food poisoning
What is an example of a fungal disease and how is it spread
Rose black spot disease. Its spread by wind and water
What is an example of a protist disease and how is it spread
Malaria. It’s spread by getting bitten by an infected mosquito
List 3 ways communicable diseases can be spread
Sexual contact
Mosquitoe bite
Air
How can airborne diseases such as common cold be prevented
By catching a sneeze or cough in a tissue and by vaccination
Describe how bacterial infections cause ppl to feel unwell
The bacteria produces toxins that damage cells and tissue
Why are viruses not classed as living organisms
They rely on host cells to survive and reproduce
State 3 ways to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through the air
Catching sneezing and coughs in tissues.
Isolating.
Face masks.
List the 4 types of pathogens
Bacteria
Viruses
Protists
Fungi
What is a non specific defence
A system that defends the body against all pathogens, usually by preventing them from entering the body
What are 3 example of a physical barrier in the non specific defence system
Skin
Scabs
Nose hairs and mucus
What is an example of a chemical barrier in the non specific defence system
Stomach acid
What does the immune system do
It detects and kills pathogens that have made it past the non specific defence system
What is phagocytosis
Where phagocytes in the immune system engulf and digest pathogens and is sometimes aided by lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes produce antibodies that cause the pathogens to clump together making them easier to engulf.
How are pathogens detected in the immune system
By the antigens attached to them.
What do lymphocytes do
The lymphocytes produce antibodies with specific shapes that enable them to bind to the antigens on the pathogen. The binding of this makes it easier for the pathogen to be ingested by phagocytes
What is the purpose of antitoxins
To neutralise toxins produced by pathogens
What is an advantage of vaccines
They reduce the occurrence of some diseases and completely eliminate others
What are 2 disadvantages of vaccines
They are not always 100% effective and proving immunity
They can also have side effects of different severities
What is the main difference between antibiotics and painkillers
Painkillers treat the symptoms of the disease and antibiotics target the cause/stop the growth of the infectious bacteria
Give and example of a painkiller
Paracetamol
What are 2 things that happen in preclinical trials
The drugs efficacy and toxicity is checked. The drug is tested of computer models
The drug is also given to animals to test for side effects and to determine a rough dosage for humans
