Non-Communicable Diseases

• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Proteins targeting specific cells or chemicals
• Which cells produce antibodies?

  White blood cells known as lymphocytes
• What is the role of tumour cells in hybridoma formation?


  They can divide but cannot make antibodies
• What is a hybridoma cell?

  A cell that can produce antibodies and divide
• How do scientists stimulate an immune response in mice?

  By adding pathogens to the mice
• What happens to lymphocytes after they are removed from mice?

  They are fused with tumour cells
• Why are monoclonal antibodies called 'monoclonal'?

  They are produced from a single clone of cells
• What are the uses of monoclonal antibodies?

  • Pregnancy tests
  • Diagnosis of diseases
  • Measuring and monitoring hormones
  • Research for specific molecules
  • Treating diseases, especially cancer
• How do pregnancy tests utilize monoclonal antibodies?

  They bind to HCG in urine to indicate pregnancy
• What do monoclonal antibodies do in diagnosis?

  Bind to specific antigens on pathogens or cells
• How can monoclonal antibodies help in measuring hormones?

  They can monitor levels of hormones and chemicals
• What is one way monoclonal antibodies treat cancer?

  Trigger the immune system to attack cancer cells
• What is a disadvantage of using monoclonal antibodies?

  They can create unexpected side effects
• What percentage of the top 10 deadliest diseases are communicable?

  3 out of 10
• What are some risk factors for non-communicable diseases?

  Genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors
• What is a causal mechanism?

  It explains how one factor influences another
• What is the impact of non-communicable diseases on the economy?

  They cause financial costs and loss of productivity
• What forms when cell division is unregulated?

  A tumour forms from abnormal cell growth
• What characterizes benign tumours?

  They are contained and usually non-invasive
• How do malignant tumours differ from benign tumours?

  Malignant tumours can invade other tissues
• What are carcinogens?

  Substances that cause mutations and cancer
• What are the two main ways to treat cancer?

  Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• What does radiotherapy do?

  Destroys cancer cells with targeted radiation
• What is the effect of chemotherapy?

  Stops cells from dividing or causes self-destruction
• What effect does nicotine have on blood vessels?

  Causes blood vessels to constrict
• What is the impact of carbon monoxide?

  Binds to haemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport
• How does tar affect the respiratory system?

  Damages the respiratory tract and causes cancer
• What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy?

  Can lead to low birthweight and stillbirths
• How does smoking affect the cilia in the respiratory tract?

  Cilia are anaesthetized, increasing infection risk
• What is the relationship between smoking and cardiovascular disease?

  Smoking increases the risk of CVD and clots
• What happens when excess food is consumed?

  It is stored as fat, leading to obesity
• How does regular exercise affect health?

  Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and other issues
• What is a causal mechanism related to exercise?

  Increased muscle leads to a higher metabolic rate
• What occurs in type 2 diabetes?

  Insufficient insulin or cells stop responding to it
• What are the effects of alcohol on the body?

  It damages the brain and liver
• What is cirrhosis of the liver?

  A condition that destroys liver tissue
• What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

  Developmental problems caused by alcohol exposure
• What is the effect of ionising radiation?

  It damages chromosomes and causes mutations
• What are common sources of ionising radiation?

  UV light, radon gas, and X-rays
• How does ionising radiation relate to cancer?

  It is a carcinogen that increases cancer risk