Biology B5 Communicable Diseases

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to communicable diseases, including various pathogen types, disease definitions, human and plant health responses.

Health

A state of physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Disease

Conditions that cause ill health.

Communicable Disease

Diseases that can spread from person to person or from animals to people.

Non-communicable Disease

Diseases that are not spread between people.

Pathogens

Micro-organisms that cause diseases.

Bacteria

Prokaryotic single-celled organisms that can reproduce by binary fission and produce toxins.

Viruses

Non-cellular entities that replicate inside host cells, damaging them.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, do not photosynthesize, and reproduce via spores.

Protists

Single-celled eukaryotes, some of which are parasites.

Vaccination

A method to stimulate immunity against diseases.

Antibiotics

Substances that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth.

Antiseptics

Disinfectants safe for use on the human body.

Phagocytosis

The process by which white blood cells engulf and digest foreign cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by white blood cells that specifically bind to antigens on pathogens.

Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms arising from a lack of essential nutrients in plants.

Physical Defences (Plants)

Structural adaptations (like waxy cuticles and cell walls) that prevent pathogen entry.

Chemical Defences (Plants)

Chemicals produced by plants that can kill bacteria or deter herbivores.

Mechanical Defences (Plants)

Physical adaptations that protect plants, such as thorns and leaves that respond to touch.

Malaria

A disease caused by a protist, transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to repeated fever episodes.

Salmonella

A type of bacteria that causes food poisoning, spread through contaminated food.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that attacks the immune system, spread through bodily fluids.

Rose Black Spot

A fungal disease that affects plants, causing purple or black spots on leaves.