Year 9 Science — Disease Unit Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, pathogen types, disease categories, and exam command words from the Year 9 Science Disease Unit notes.

Golden Thread (SC5-DIS-01)

The core principle that every section should link back to how understanding the CAUSE of a disease helps PREVENT or MANAGE its spread.

Infectious Disease

A disease that can be spread or passed from one person to another, caused by pathogens (germs) such as flu, COVID-19, chickenpox, or gastro.

Non-infectious Disease

A disease that cannot be spread from person to person, caused by genetics, environment, or nutrition/lifestyle such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, or heart disease.

Pathogens

Disease-causing agents or germs categorized into four main types: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa/parasites.

Scurvy

A non-infectious disease caused by nutritional factors, specifically a lack of Vitamin C.

Streptococcus

An example bacterial organism that causes the disease strep throat.

Influenza virus

An example viral organism that causes the disease flu.

Tinea

An example fungal organism that causes ringworm or athlete's foot.

Plasmodium

An example protozoa/parasitic organism that causes malaria.

Exponential Growth (in disease spread)

A pattern where case numbers double rapidly without control measures (e.g. 1 infects 2, those 2 infect 4, those 4 infect 8).

Vaccine

A preparation containing a weakened, inactive, or partial version of a pathogen that stimulates the immune system without causing disease.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that recognise foreign pathogens and produce specific antibodies against them.

Memory Cells

Immune cells retained by the body after vaccination or infection that allow for a faster and stronger response if the real pathogen appears later.

Identify / Distinguish (Command Word)

An exam command word requiring you to state the fact clearly, with no explanation needed.

Describe (Command Word)

An exam command word requiring you to state what happens, with some detail (no reasons needed).

Explain (Command Word)

An exam command word requiring you to state what happens AND why/how ($\text{cause} \rightarrow \text{effect}$).

Analyse (Command Word)

An exam command word requiring you to break down data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships, using numbers from the source.

Assess / Evaluate (Command Word)

An exam command word requiring you to weigh up options and give a justified judgement, using evidence.

Disease Vectors

Organisms (such as mosquitoes) that transmit pathogens to humans; controlling them is a key method for reducing the spread of diseases like malaria.