Biology (infection and response)

• What are bacteria?

  Microscopic living cells
• What role do some bacteria play in the environment?

  Some bacteria are helpful and beneficial
• How do pathogenic bacteria affect the body?

  They release toxins that damage cells
• What is the process by which bacteria reproduce?

  Binary fission
• What happens during binary fission?

  A cell splits into two identical daughter cells
• What conditions favor rapid bacterial reproduction?

  Moist environments with good nutrients
• What disease is caused by Salmonella bacteria?

  Salmonellosis
• How is Salmonella typically spread?

  Through food prepared in unhygienic conditions
• What are the symptoms of Salmonellosis?

  Vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea
• What preventive measure is taken in the UK against Salmonella?

  Poultry vaccination
• What type of disease is Gonorrhoea?

  A sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• What are the symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

  Painful urination and thick discharge
• Why is Gonorrhoea harder to treat now?

  Antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged
• How can Gonorrhoea be prevented?

  Using barrier contraception like condoms
• What organism causes Malaria?

  Protozoa
• How is Malaria transmitted?

  By mosquitos through their saliva
• What are the symptoms of Malaria?

  High fever and can be fatal
• How is the spread of Malaria controlled?

  Preventing mosquitos from breeding
• What disease does Rose Black Spot cause?

  It causes purple or black spots on leaves
• How is Rose Black Spot treated?

  Using fungicides and destroying affected leaves
• What are the symptoms of Measles?

  Fever and a red skin rash
• How is the Measles virus spread?

  Through inhalation of droplets from sneezes
• Why are children vaccinated against Measles?

  To prevent serious illness and complications
• What virus causes AIDS?

  HIV
• What are the initial symptoms of HIV?

  Flu-like symptoms
• How does HIV affect the immune system?

  It attacks the immune system
• How is HIV spread?

  Through exchange of bodily fluids
• What happens in late-stage HIV or AIDS?

  The immune system is severely damaged
• What is TMV?

  Tobacco mosaic virus
• What is a symptom of TMV in plants?

  A distinctive ‘mosaic’ pattern on leaves
• How do TMV symptoms affect plant growth?

  They limit photosynthesis and growth
• What are the main components of the human defense system against diseases?

  • Vaccinations
  • Antibiotics
  • Resistance
  • Painkillers
• What are the traditional sources of drug development?

  • Extracted from plants and microorganisms
  • Digitalis from foxgloves
  • Aspirin from willow
  • Penicillin from penicillium fungus
• What is the process of preclinical testing for new drugs?

  1. Laboratory testing on human cells and tissues
  2. Animal testing for toxicity and dosage
  3. Clinical trials on healthy volunteers
  4. Testing on patients with the illness
• What are the phases of clinical trials?

  • Initial low dose to healthy volunteers
  • Gradual increase of dosage
  • Test group vs. control group
  • Monitoring changes in conditions
• What are monoclonal antibodies and how are they produced?

  • Identical clones from one parent cell
  • Produced by fusing lymphocytes with tumor cells
  • Rapidly dividing hybridomas produce antibodies
• What are the problems associated with monoclonal antibodies?

  • Side effects like vomiting and low blood pressure
  • Limited research on side effects
  • Ongoing research to address these issues
• What are the symptoms of plant diseases?

  • Stunted growth
  • Discoloration of plant tissues
  • Unusual growths
  • Premature death of plants
• What are deficiency diseases in plants?

  • Caused by lack of essential minerals
  • Magnesium deficiency leads to yellowing leaves
  • Potassium deficiency causes chlorosis and brown spots
• What are the plant defenses against diseases?

  • Chemical defenses: kill bacteria
  • Physical defenses: outer coverings like bark
  • Mechanical defenses: drooping leaves to deter insects