Studied by 16 people
Pathogens 🦠
Bacteria: Single-celled organisms, can cause infections.
Viruses: Infect cells and reproduce inside them.
Fungi: Can be single-celled or multicellular, e.g., yeast and mushrooms.
Protists: Single-celled eukaryotes, sometimes cause disease.
Communicable Diseases 🤒
Spread through direct contact, airborne particles, surfaces, or contaminated food/water.
Examples: Influenza, Salmonella, Malaria.
Non-Communicable Diseases 🚫
Result from genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors.
Examples: Diabetes, Cancer.
Important definitions
Antibiotic: Medicine that kills bacteria.
Virus: Pathogen that reproduces inside host cells.
Fungi: Eukaryotic pathogens, e.g., yeast.
Protist: Single-celled eukaryotes, sometimes pathogenic.
The defenses
Mechanical barriers: Skin, nose hairs.
Chemical barriers: Mucus, stomach acid, tears.
Bacterial barriers: Gut bacteria.
Immune System 🧬
White blood cells: Attack and destroy pathogens.
Antibodies: Proteins that neutralize pathogens.
Plant Defenses 🌿
Physical barriers: Cell wall, waxy cuticle.
Antimicrobial substances: Chemicals that kill pathogens.
Key terms!
Antibody: Protein produced by white blood cells.
Antigen: Protein on pathogen surface.
Immune system: Body's defense against pathogens.
Plant Disease Prevention 🌱
Regulate infected plant movement.
Sourcing healthy plants.
Destroying infected plants.
Human and Animal Disease Prevention 🧴
Contraception.
Sterilizing wounds.
Hygiene and sanitation.
Vaccination.
Restricting travel.
Key terms!
Vaccination: Introducing inactive pathogens to stimulate immunity.
Contraception: Methods to prevent pregnancy.
Sterilization: Removing microorganisms from equipment.
Diagnosis Methods 🔬
Symptom observation.
Cell counting.
Culture growth.
Microscopy and staining.
Antimicrobial testing.
Genome analysis.
Aseptic Techniques 🧼
Sterilize equipment.
Limit sample exposure.
Monoclonal Antibodies 🧪
Used in diagnostic tests like pregnancy tests.
Key terms!
Aseptic techniques: Methods to prevent contamination.
Monoclonal antibodies: Lab-made antibodies for specific antigens.
Risk Factors ⚠
Unhealthy diet: High fats/sugar.
Lack of exercise.
Age.
Genetic predispositions.
Environmental factors: UV radiation.
Smoking and drugs.
Disease Interactions 🔄
Autoimmune diseases.
Viruses triggering cancers.
Preventative diseases: Sickle cell anemia prevents malaria.
Key terms!
Autoimmune disease: Immune system attacks the body.
Correlation: Relationship between two variables.
Genetic predisposition: Increased risk of disease due to genetics.
Medicines 💊
Painkillers: Reduce symptoms.
Antibiotics: Kill bacteria.
Cardiovascular Disease Treatments ❤
Lifestyle changes.
Drugs: Statins.
Stents: Widen blood vessels.
Heart transplants.
New Medicine Development 🧬
Screening.
Pre-clinical trials.
Clinical trials.
Monoclonal Antibodies 🧪
Used for cancer treatment by targeting specific cancer cells.
Key terms!
Chemotherapy: Cancer treatment using drugs.
Heart transplant: Replacing a damaged heart.
Statins: Drugs lowering cholesterol.
Stent: Wire mesh widening arteries.
