UNIT 4 6B: Cellular Pathogens Flashcards
Cellular Pathogen
A living organism that causes disease within a host
Bacteria
Unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that lack membrane-bound organelles
Tetanus
A bacterial disease characterised by muscle stiffness and spasms
Spores (bacterial)
Structures that bacteria form that aid in the survival of the organism under adverse environmental conditions
Fungi
A wide variety of eukaryotic organisms that include mushrooms, mould and yeasts
Terrestrial
Describes any living organism that lives or grows on land
Hyphae
Long, branching filaments that extend off the main body of the fungus and secrete digestive enzymes
Mycelium
A collection of Hyphae
Tinea
A common fungal infection that results in a red, flaky rash in the area of the body that is affected
Protozoa
Unicellular, eukaryotic organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista; singular protozoan
Heterotrophic
Describes any organism that obtains its nutrients by feeding on organic matter
Cilia
Short microtubule projections from a cell that move to provide motility (movement of the cell) or movement of fluid
What is the most common mode of transmission for protozoa
Direct ingestion of dormant cysts and bites from insect vectors
Malaria
A serious disease caused by the Plasmodium protozoan, which invades red blood cells when transmitted by mosquito vectors into the host
Endemic
The constant presence or regular occurence of a disease within a particular area
What are the four characteristics of cells
Genetic Material
Cytosol
Ribosomes
Plasma membrane
What percentage of bacteria that inhabit earth are pathogenic
Less than 5%
How often do bacteria divide
every 20 minutes
Define
Superbug
Any organism that has developed resistance to antibiotics
How do fungi cause disease to plants
The fungal hyphae/spores make their way into the plant, where they live on hte resources that the plant needs to survive. As the fungus grow,s, it causes the plant stress, resulting in the plant’s eventual death.
Some fungu penetrate the plant and the root hairs, blocking access to water, causing it to wilt and die
How many species of protozoa are considered pathogenic
Fewer than 24
How are protozoa effective at causing disease?
Protozoa have a unique and complex reproductive strategy. In some stages of their life cycle, reproduction is sexual, whereas in other stages it is asexual. This complex reproductive strategy with their use of multiple hosts makes the development of effective tools against the pathogen more difficult
What is the most common mode of transmission for protozoa infection?
Direct ingestion of dormant cysts and bites from insect vectors
