Science Test Study Guide

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms including molds, yeasts, and mushrooms, with cell walls made of chitin.

Spores

Reproductive units of fungi that can spread through air or water.

Antifungal medications

Treatments that target fungal cell components, commonly used in treating fungal infections.

Viruses

Acellular particles made of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat that require a host cell to replicate.

Airborne transmission

The spread of viruses through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.

Antiviral medications

Drugs that specifically target steps in the viral replication cycle.

Parasites

Organisms that live on or in a host and obtain food at the expense of the host.

Protozoa

Single-celled parasites, such as those causing malaria.

Antiparasitic drugs

Medications designed to eliminate parasitic infections.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic.

Antibiotics

Medications that target specific structures or functions of bacteria for treatment.

Epidemic

A sudden increase in disease cases above what is normally expected in a specific area.

Pandemic

An epidemic that has spread over multiple countries or continents affecting a large number of people.

Vaccination

The introduction of a pathogen component to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease.

Carriers

Individuals who harbor a pathogen without showing symptoms but can transmit it to others.

Vectors

Organisms (often insects) that actively transmit pathogens from one host to another.

Antibiotic resistance

When bacteria evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics.

Herd immunity

Indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune.

Hygiene measures

Practices aimed at preventing the spread of pathogens through cleanliness and sanitation.