Communicable Diseases - AQA GCSE Biology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to communicable diseases, pathogens, prevention methods, and the immune response.

Communicable Disease

A disease caused by a pathogen that passes from infected individuals to uninfected individuals.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Infectious Disease

A disease that can be transmitted between individuals.

Non-Infectious Disease

A long-term disease not caused by pathogens, such as lung cancer or depression.

Vaccination

A method of providing artificial immunity by exposing an individual to the antigens of a pathogen.

Antibiotics

Medicines that help cure bacterial diseases by killing infective bacteria.

Antitoxin

A protein produced by lymphocytes that neutralizes toxins produced by pathogens.

Herd Immunity

When a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, reducing the likelihood of disease spread.

Malaria

A disease caused by protists from the Plasmodium family, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Phagocytosis

The process where phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens.

Antigen

A molecule found on the surface of a pathogen that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A Y-shaped protein made by lymphocytes that is specific to a pathogen's antigen.

Salmonella

A bacterial pathogen that causes food poisoning.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria.

Fungal Disease

Diseases caused by fungi, such as athlete's foot or rose black spot.

Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive despite the presence of antibiotics.

Clinical Trials

Tests carried out on human volunteers to determine the safety and efficacy of a new drug.