Topic 5 Health Disease And The Development Of Medicines Flashcards
Antibiotics
A chemical or compound produced by a living organism that kills or prevents the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics have no effect on the cells of the host organism.
Antibodies
Proteins produced by B-lymphocytes in response to a specific antigen, triggering an immune response.
Carbon monoxide
chemical found in cigarette smoke that lowers the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. This results in an increased heart rate, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cell wall
An outer layer made of cellulose that strengthens plant cells and serves as a physical barrier against pathogens.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia - An infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia, which is spread through sexual contact and may result in infertility.
Cholera
A water-borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the toxins of which cause severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration.
Communicable disease
Communicable disease - A disease that is caused by a pathogen which can be spread between individuals (either directly or indirectly).
Health
Health - A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (as defined by the World
Health Organization, WHO).
Maleria
disease caused by a protist that lives within two hosts: mosquitoes and humans.
It results in damage to red blood cells and causes recurrent episodes of fever.
Non communicable
A disease that cannot be spread between individuals. It is caused by the interaction of a number of risk factors.
Pathogen
A disease-causing organism, e.g. viruses, fungi, bacteria, protists.
STI
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) - An infection that is spread through sexual contact or direct contact with infected genital fluids.
Tb
An airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that damages lung tissue and weakens the immune system.
