bio final

Prions

The smallest infectious agent made up of only protein.

Multicellular parasites

The largest infectious agent.

Fungi, Viruses, Bacteria

Fungi are larger than viruses and bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Cells with a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and many linear chromosomes.

Prokaryotes

Cells lacking a nucleus, with one circular chromosome and no membrane-bound organelles.

Cell wall

What animal cells lack on the outside that prokaryotic cells have, making them a target for antibiotics.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that include protozoa, multicellular parasites, and fungi.

Acellular infectious agents

Viruses, when not considered cells, are called this.

DNA or RNA and protein coat

All viruses are made up of these components, with some having an additional envelope.

Inside

Viruses spend most of their time this way in relation to cells.

Prion

Misfolded proteins that induce other proteins to misfold, resulting in cell death.

Lymphatic system

System that returns extra fluid, transports fat and vitamins, and defends against infection.

First and second lines of defense

Always the same and nonspecific, involving physical and chemical barriers.

PH, body temperature, ear wax, skin

Examples of physical barriers in the first line of defense.

Lysozymes

Molecules in tears serving as chemical barriers in the first line of defense.

Sickle cell anemia

A genetic barrier to disease; affects oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells.

Neutrophils and macrophages

Two types of phagocytes in the second line of defense involved in engulfing pathogens.

Basophils and mast cells

Cells that produce histamine during inflammatory responses.

Blood vessel dilation and increased permeability

Results from histamine release.

Complement proteins

Plasma proteins that specifically combat bacteria by forming a membrane attack complex (MAC).

MAC (Membrane Attack Complex)

A structure formed by complement proteins that kills bacteria by creating holes in their membranes.

Interferons

Proteins that help cells combat viral infections by signaling them to produce protective substances.

Natural killer cells

A type of lymphocyte that kills cancerous or infected cells.

Fever

A systemic response enhancing white blood cell production and metabolic rate to combat infection.

B and T cells

Specific immune cells that respond to pathogens based on prior exposure.

Processed vs. intact antigens

B cells recognize intact antigens, while T cells recognize processed antigens.

Memory cells

Long-lasting cells formed after an immune response, basis for secondary immune response.

Plasma cells

B cells that specifically produce antibodies.

Four functions of antibodies

Clumping viruses, neutralizing antigens, attracting phagocytes, activating complement proteins.

Primary immune response

The initial, slow immune response that creates memory cells.

Passive vs. active immunity

Passive immunity is temporary (e.g., maternal), while active immunity is permanent (e.g., vaccinations).

Weak or inactive parts of a pathogen

What a vaccine typically contains to elicit an immune response.

Herd immunity

Immunity in a population that helps protect unvaccinated individuals.

Autoimmune disease

A condition where the immune system attacks its own body's cells.

Antibiotics

Medications designed to combat bacterial infections.

Cell wall targeting

Bacterial structure that makes a good target for antibiotics, absent in eukaryotic cells.

Antibiotic resistance

A growing concern caused by inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and livestock.

Emphysema

A chronic lung disease marked by damaged alveoli.

Hemoglobin

Molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Alveoli

The structures in lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Influenza viruses

There are four major types of these viruses.

Antigenic drift

Small, yearly changes in flu virus surface proteins that necessitate vaccinations.

Covid-19 symptoms

Common symptoms include cough, fever, loss of taste, shortness of breath.

Nearsightedness

Condition where a person can only see objects nearby clearly.

Farsightedness

Condition where a person can only see distant objects clearly.

Tympanic membrane

The eardrum that vibrates in response to sound.

Auditory nerve

Carries electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain.

Bile

Substance produced by the liver to help digest fats.

Probiotics

Healthy bacteria that aid digestion and overall gut health.

Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)

Diet characterized by high consumption of processed foods.

Fiber

A plant-based component important for digestion and regulating blood glucose.

Microplastics

Tiny plastic particles harmful to the environment.

Noise pollution

Unwanted or excessive sound in an environment.

Invasive species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Overview effect

Shift in perspective from viewing Earth from space.

Conservation easements

Legal agreements to protect land from development.

Citizen science

Public participation in scientific research.

Green roofs

Vegetated rooftops that help regulate temperature and provide habitats.

Ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancy occurring outside the womb, often in a fallopian tube.

HPV

A common virus that can cause warts and certain cancers.

Light pollution

Excess artificial light affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Plant-based diet

A diet focused on whole plant foods, minimizing animal products.

Circulatory system

System responsible for the transport of blood and nutrients.

Urinary system

System responsible for producing and excreting urine.

Diabetes

Disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin issues.

Gastrointestinal tract

System responsible for digestion and absorption of food.

Vaccine

Biological preparation that provides acquired immunity to a particular disease.