AQA Biology GCSE Topic 3: Infection and Response

Flashcards for key terms and concepts in AQA Biology GCSE Topic 3: Infection and Response.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, including viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi.

Viruses

Very small pathogens that invade cells, replicate, and destroy the cells, causing illness.

Binary fission

A process by which bacteria multiply by dividing into two identical cells.

Fungi

Organisms that can be single-celled or multi-cellular, often producing spores.

Droplet infection

A method of disease transmission where pathogens are expelled in droplets during sneezing, coughing or talking.

Hygiene practices

Methods to prevent disease spread, such as hand washing and using disinfectants.

Vaccination

A method of inducing immunity by injecting a harmless form of a pathogen.

Antibiotics

Medicines that kill bacterial pathogens without harming body cells.

Monoclonal antibodies

Identical antibodies produced from a single immune cell, used for targeting specific proteins.

Chlorosis

A condition in plants caused by magnesium deficiency, leading to yellowing leaves.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist specific pathogens, often developed after infection or vaccination.

Efficacy

The ability of a drug to produce the desired therapeutic effect.

Antiretroviral drugs

Medications used to treat HIV infection by preventing the virus from replicating.

Hybridoma

A cell hybrid created by fusing a lymphocyte with a cancer cell, used to produce monoclonal antibodies.

Tobacco mosaic virus

A viral pathogen affecting plants, causing discolouration and reduced yield.

Pest control

Methods used to manage and prevent insect infestations in plants.