Topic 13 - Microbes and Disease Flashcards
Are most microorganisms harmless or harmful?
Harmless
What are microorganisms that are harmful?
Pathogens
What do pathogens include?
Bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi
Structural features of a bacterium? (9)
Ribosome, cytoplasm, chromosome, flagellum, pili, cell membrane, cell wall, gelatin-like capsule, plasmid
What is the function of the flagellum?
Movement in water (like sperm)
What is the function of the pili?
A theory that genetic material can be passed along them to other bacteria
What is the function of the plasmid?
Ring of genetic material in cytoplasm
Structural features of a bacteriophage virus? (5)
Protein coat, head, DNA, tube, tail fibre
What are viruses?
Parasites, they can lay dormant in a host cell for long periods of time
How small are viruses?
Very small - only visible under an electron microscope
How do viruses work?
They inject their DNA into host cells and hijack the enzymes before multiplying inside the cell
Are viruses alive?
It is unsure: they can move, reproduce and grow but cannot excrete, respire or eat; questions surrounding their ability to sense
What causes food poisoning?
Bacteria - Campylobacter
What causes cholera? What is cholera’s Latin/scientific name?
Bacteria - Vibrio cholerae
What causes mumps? What is its Latin/scientific name?
Virus - Rubulavirus
What causes MRSA? What is its Latin/scientific name?
Bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus
What causes malaria? What is its Latin/scientific name?
Protist - Plasmodiumis
What causes AIDS?
Virus - HIV
What causes tuberculosis? What is its Latin/scientific name?
Bacteria - Mycobacterium tuberculosis
What causes chlamydia? What is its Latin/scientific name?
Bacteria - Chlamydia Trachomatis
How is AIDS transmitted?
Bodily fluids (sex, cuts, sharing needles, blood transfusions)
How is Chlamydia transmitted?
Sex (contact with vagina or urethra)
How is Malaria transmitted?
Mosquito saliva (vector)
What are the symptoms of AIDS?
Flu-like symptoms, unaware of infection, long time after HIV infection, AIDS attacks immune system
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Infertility, conjunctivitis/pneumonia (babies), pain when urinating, thick yellow/green discharge, bleeding between periods, testicle swelling
What are the symptoms of Malaria?
Fever, sweats, chills, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, death
How is AIDS prevented?
No cure, antiretroviral drugs SLOW development, protective gear when handling bodily fluids, protected sex, avoid sharing needles
How is Chlamydia prevented?
Abstinence/antibiotics, Monogamy, Condoms
What antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia?
Tetracycline or erythromycin
How is Malaria prevented?
Mosquito nets, insecticides/pesticides in mosquito breeding grounds, insect repellants
What is the function of lysozymes?
Enzymes found in tears kill microorganisms in the eyes
What is the function of hairs?
To filter out dust that might contain pathogens from the nostrils
What is the function of mucus?
A sticky substance to trap pathogens which can be sneezed or coughed out from the respiratory system
What is the function of cilia?
Tiny hairs which sweep out mucus and any pathogens in it
What is the function of sweat glands?
Secrete sweat containing a chemical substance to kill pathogens
What is the function of hydrochloric acid?
Dissolves and kills pathogens which may be present in the food
What is the function of antibodies?
Chemical produced by lymphocytes to neutralise/mark pathogens that may enter the bloodstream
What is the function of platelets?
Small pieces of cells in blood to help with clotting of blood to prevent pathogens entering the body
What is the function of skin?
A protective barrier made of several layers, covering majority of the body
What is the function of wax?
Substance that contains a mild antiseptic which can kill pathogens
