Year 9 Science Study Guide – Disease

These flashcards cover key concepts related to disease, pathogens, and immune response, including definitions, distinctions, and processes involved in disease prevention and management.

Disease

A disorder of structure or function that produces specific symptoms and affects a specific location.

Pathogen

• Anything that can cause disease and an immune response, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Infectious Diseases

Diseases caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one individual to another.

Non-infectious Diseases

Diseases that cannot be transmitted between individuals, often due to genetic or environmental factors.

Cellular Pathogens

Pathogens that are composed of cells, such as bacteria.

Non-cellular Pathogens

Pathogens that are not made up of cells, such as viruses.

Types of Pathogens

Includes bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic organisms.

First Line of Defence

The initial barriers to pathogens, which includes physical, chemical, and biological barriers.

Physical Barrier

Barriers such as skin that protect the body from pathogens.

Chemical Barrier

Substances like stomach acid that destroy pathogens. And the lysosome enzymes in saliva and tears.

Biological Barrier

Microbiota that compete with pathogens and prevent infection.

Antigens

Substances that induce an immune response, can be classified as self or non-self.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells, such as phagocytes, engulf and digest pathogens.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection that causes redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Fever

An increase in body temperature as a response to infection, which helps to inhibit pathogen growth.

B cells

White blood cells that produce antibodies; include effector (plasma) and memory B cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to antigens and help eliminate pathogens.

T cells

A type of white blood cell that is involved in the immune response; includes effector (cytotoxic) and memory T cells.

Hygiene

Behaviors that promote health and prevent disease, such as handwashing and sanitation.

Endemic

A disease or condition regularly found and consistently present in a particular area.

Epidemic

An outbreak of a disease that occurs in a community or region at a higher rate than expected.

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread over multiple countries or continents.

Vaccination

A method of stimulating the immune response by exposing it to a harmless form of an antigen.

Natural Immunity

Immunity acquired through natural exposure to a pathogen.

Artificial Immunity

Immunity gained through vaccination or other medical interventions.

Short-term Strategies

Immediate actions taken to limit the spread of disease.

Long-term Strategies

Ongoing efforts aimed at preventing disease spread and promoting health in communities.