Topic 3: Infection And Response

Question 1

communicable disease

Answer 1

A disease caused by a pathogen that can be passed from one organism to another.

Example: Influenza is a communicable disease.

Question 2

pathogen

Answer 2

A harmful microorganism that causes communicable diseases.

Example: The flu virus is a pathogen.

Question 3

bacteria

Answer 3

Reproduce inside the body and produce toxins that damage tissues and make us ill.

Example: Salmonella is a type of bacteria.

Question 4

virus

Answer 4

Reproduce inside cells causing cell damage. Not a living thing.

Example: HIV is a virus.

Question 5

fungi

Answer 5

A group of microorganisms that cause disease.

Example: Ringworm is caused by a fungi.

Question 6

protist

Answer 6

A group of microorganisms that cause disease, with features similar to animals, plants and fungi.

Example: Malaria is caused by a protist.

Question 7

vector

Answer 7

An organism that spreads infection by carrying pathogens from one host to another, e.g. mosquitos.

Example: Mosquitos are vectors for malaria.

Question 8

white blood cell

Answer 8

Kills pathogens by engulfing them (in phagocytosis) or making antibodies (that binds specifically to the pathogen). Also make antitoxins (to neutralise toxins).

Example: White blood cells are part of the immune system.

Question 9

antibiotic

Answer 9

A drug that kills bacteria (doesn’t work on viruses) e.g. penicillin from mould.

Example: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic.

Question 10

painkiller

Answer 10

A drug that treats symptoms but does not kill pathogens. E.g aspirin from willow trees.

Example: Ibuprofen is a painkiller.

Question 11

digitalis

Answer 11

A drug made from foxgloves that treats heart problems.

Example: Digitalis is used to treat heart failure.

Question 12

vaccine

Answer 12

Contains dead pathogens to stimulate white blood cells to make specific antibodies to destroy the pathogen. Causes immunity.

Example: The polio vaccine prevents polio infection.

Question 13

Efficacy

Answer 13

How well a drug works.

Example: The efficacy of the new medication was proven in the clinical trials.

Question 14

Toxicity

Answer 14

How safe a drug is (does it have side effects).

Toxicity levels must be carefully monitored during drug development.

Question 15

Dosage

Answer 15

How much of a drug is needed.

The correct dosage of the medication must be followed to ensure effectiveness.

Question 16

Placebo

Answer 16

Does not contain the active drug being tested, used to compare the drug vs no drug.

Placebos are often used in clinical trials to determine the true effects of a drug.

Question 17

Double blind

Answer 17

Neither the patient nor the doctor know who has the drug or placebo. Prevent biased results.

Double-blind studies are considered the gold standard in research.

Question 18

Gonorrhoea

Answer 18

Bacterial disease, sexually transmitted. Causes yellow discharge from penis/vagina and pain when urinating.

Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection.

Question 19

Salmonella

Answer 19

Bacterial disease, transmitted by food prepared in unhygienic conditions. Causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever and cramps.

Salmonella poisoning is often linked to undercooked food.

Question 20

Measles

Answer 20

Viral disease, spread by coughing and sneezing. Causes fever and a red rash, can be fatal.

Measles vaccination has been instrumental in reducing cases worldwide.

Question 21

HIV

Answer 21

Viral disease, spread by sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids. Causes weakened immune system (AIDS).

HIV is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment.

Question 22

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)

Answer 22

Viral disease, spread by contact. Causes mosaic pattern of discolouration, reducing photosynthesis which reduces growth.

TMV affects a wide range of plants, including tobacco and tomatoes.

Question 23

Rose black spot

Answer 23

Fungal disease, spread by air/water. Causes black spots on leaves which turn yellow and drop early. Reduces photosynthesis which reduces growth.

Rose black spot can be controlled through proper plant hygiene.

Question 24

Malaria

Answer 24

Protist disease, spread by mosquitos. Causes fever and can be fatal.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world.