Apes study guide 10

infectious disease

illness caused by harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that enter the body and disrupt normal function. spread from person to person, animals to humans, or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces

transmissible disease

illness that can be spread from one person, animal, or organism to another, either directly or indirectly. occur through contact, air, water, or vectors like insects

bacteria

single-celled microorganisms that can exist independently or in groups. Bacteria are found in various environments and can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to humans and other organisms

virus

microscopic infectious agent that requires a host cell to replicate. cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and depend entirely on the host cell's machinery to reproduce and propagate

parasite

organism that lives in or on another organism (the host) and benefits at the host's expense, often causing harm

toxicity

the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms

mutagen

substance or agent that causes changes in the genetic material of an organism, which can lead to genetic disorders or cancer

teratogen

an agent or substance that causes birth defects or abnormal development in a fetus during pregnancy

carcinogen

substance or agent that can cause cancer by altering the genetic material of cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth

pathogen

organism or agent, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that causes disease in its host

endocrine disruptor

chemicals or substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, potentially altering hormone regulation and causing health issues

dose

the amount of a substance, such as a drug or chemical, administered or absorbed by an organism

risk

likelihood or probability of harm, injury, or negative outcomes occurring due to exposure to a hazard or dangerous situation

dose response curve

graphical representation that shows the relationship between the dose of a substance and the magnitude of its effect on an organism, illustrating how increasing doses lead to stronger responses up to a certain point

LD-50

the amount of a substance required to cause death in 50% of a test population, usually measured in milligrams of the substance per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). It is a standard measure of the acute toxicity of a substance

threshold concentration

minimum level of a substance in the environment (such as air, water, or soil) that causes a detectable effect or response in an organism

dioxin

group of highly toxic chemical compounds that are environmental pollutants. They are byproducts of industrial processes, such as burning waste, and can cause serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system damage

endocrine system

network of glands that produce and release hormones, which regulate various body functions, including metabolism, growth, mood, and reproduction

immune system

body's defense mechanism against harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins

primary pollutant

harmful substance directly emitted into the air, water, or soil from a source, such as factories, vehicles, or wildfires

secondary pollutant

harmful substance that forms in the environment as a result of chemical reactions between primary pollutants and other substances

oxide of sulfur (SOx)

chemical compounds formed when sulfur reacts with oxygen

oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

group of chemical compounds that include nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. emitted from sources like paints, solvents, and fuels and can contribute to air pollution, smog formation, and health issues

aldehydes

group of organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom. They are commonly found in various chemicals and are produced during the combustion of fuels; some aldehydes, like formaldehyde, can be harmful to health

particulate matter (PM-10 & PM-2.5)

tiny particles or droplets suspended in the air, which can include dust, dirt, soot, and liquid droplets

ozone

gas composed of three oxygen molecules (O3). It occurs naturally in the Earth's stratosphere, where it forms a protective layer that shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation

radon

colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water

photochemical smog

type of air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. reaction creates harmful substances like ozone, which can irritate the eyes, lungs, and worsen respiratory conditions

temperature inversion

layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing the normal upward flow of air. This can lead to pollution buildup and poor air quality, as the trapped air doesn't mix with the atmosphere above

dry acid depostition

process where acidic particles, gases, or aerosols fall to the ground without rain. These pollutants can harm plants, soil, and buildings, contributing to environmental damage

wet acid depostion (acid rain)

sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) combine with water vapor in the atmosphere to form acids, which then fall to the ground as acid rain, snow, or fog. It can harm ecosystems, water bodies, and structures

buffer

substance or solution that helps maintain a stable pH level by neutralizing acids or bases

respiratory system

group of organs and structures responsible for breathing, allowing oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to be expelled

clean air act

federal law aimed at controlling air pollution by regulating the emissions of harmful pollutants from industries, vehicles, and other sources. sets air quality standards to protect public health and the environment

catalytic converter

device in a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. It uses chemical reactions to convert pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide and water