Biology - Vaccines, Antibiotics and NCDs 🏥⭐️

What is a vaccine?

A method to make someone immune to a pathogen.

How do vaccines work?

1. A weakened/inactive pathogen is injected into the body. 2. The immune system launches a primary immune response, partly resulting in memory cell production. 3. If the real pathogen enters later, memory cells trigger a rapid secondary immune response.

What is herd immunity?

When a large portion of a population is vaccinated, disease spread slows or stops, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

What are antibiotics?

Substances that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, produced by other living organisms.

What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?

Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria directly, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacteria from growing.

What is antibiotic resistance?

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, often due to mutations or gene transfer.

How do bacteria develop antibiotic resistance?

Through mutations or gene transfer, such as conjugation, where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another.

What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

Chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person and develop over a long period.

What are the four main groups of NCDs?

1. Cardiovascular diseases 2. Cancers 3. Chronic respiratory diseases 4. Diabetes

What is atherosclerosis?

A condition where fat deposits (plaques) build up inside arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

What is a stroke?

A condition where blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage.

What is a heart attack?

A condition where blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage of heart tissue.

What are common symptoms of a stroke?

Temporary dizziness, speech impairments, weakness, memory problems, numbness, and loss of motor control.

What is the role of memory cells in vaccination?

Memory cells help trigger a rapid immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

What is the impact of obesity on diabetes?

Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels.

What are common side effects of antibiotics?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, changes in taste/smell, headaches, and allergic reactions.

What is the function of penicillin?

Penicillin is an antibiotic that targets cell wall production in bacteria, leading to their death.

What is the significance of the enzyme penicillinase?

Penicillinase is an enzyme produced by some bacteria that breaks down penicillin, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

What lifestyle factors influence non-communicable diseases?

Genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

What is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases?

Atherosclerosis, which leads to narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow.

What is the role of angiography?

A technique used to examine blockages in the arteries of the heart before surgical intervention.

What is the purpose of a PET scan?

To provide 3D imaging of heart activity and blood flow.

What can trigger a heart attack?

Blockage of blood flow to the heart, often due to a clot.

What is the relationship between lifestyle and NCDs?

Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, significantly influence the risk of developing non-communicable diseases.

What are common causes of cancer?

Air pollution, occupational exposures, smoking, and lack of physical activity.

What is the function of cilia in the respiratory system?

Cilia help clear mucus and debris from the airways, maintaining respiratory health.