Lesson 4 - Infectious Disease

Describe a Protoctists

They are single celled and microscopic

Some have chloroplasts and are similar to plant cells (Chlorella)

Others are more like animal cells (Amoeba)

Example of Protoctists

Amoeba / Chlorella

Describe a Bacteria

They are single celled and microscopic

They don’t have a nucleus

They have a circular chromosome of DNA

Some can photosynthesis

Most bacteria feed off other organisms

Example of Bacteria

Pneumococcus causing Pneumonia

Describe a Virus

They are particles and come in different sizes

They an only reproduce inside living cells

They infect all types of living organisms

They don’t have a cell structure, but have a protein coat around either DNA or RNA

Example of a Virus

HIV causing AIDS

Describe Fungi

Some are single celled

Others have a body called a mycelium, made up of hyphae, containing a lot of nuclei

Their cell walls contain Chitin

Most feed by saprotrophic nutrition - secrete extracellular enzymes into the area outside their body to dissolve their food, to then absorb the nutrients

They can store glycogen

Example of Fungi

Yeast

What is a Pathogen

A disease causing micro-organism

Explain why antibiotics are becoming less effective over time

Bacteria keep mutating randomly, and becoming resistant

What can be done to minimise antibiotic resistance

Reduction in the use of antibiotics
Making sure ppl finish courses of antibiotics
Altering hospital practices to minimise spread of resistant bacterial populations (sanitation & isolation)