AQA Biology GCSE: Infection and Response

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the AQA Biology GCSE module on Infection and Response, focusing on communicable diseases, pathogens, and human defense mechanisms.

Pathogen

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

Viruses

Very small pathogens that enter cells, replicate, and often cause cell damage leading to illness.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that multiply by binary fission and can produce toxins damaging to cells.

Protists

Eukaryotic microorganisms, some of which are parasitic, using other organisms as hosts.

Fungi

Organisms that can be single-celled or multicellular and produce spores to spread.

Direct contact

Transmission method for pathogens through touching contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.

Vaccination

The process of injecting a harmless pathogen to build immunity against a disease.

Measles

A viral disease with symptoms including fever and rash, spread by droplet infection.

HIV

A virus that attacks the immune system, potentially leading to AIDS, spread through body fluids.

Salmonella

A bacterium that causes food poisoning, with preventive measures including vaccination of poultry.

Rose black spot

A fungal disease affecting roses, causing black spots on leaves and reducing photosynthesis.

Malaria

A disease caused by protists transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, causing fever and shaking.

Phagocytosis

The process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens.

Monoclonal antibodies

Identical antibodies produced from a single immune cell used for various medical applications.

Antibiotics

Drugs that kill bacteria without harming body cells, ineffective against viruses.

Chlorosis

The yellowing of leaves due to magnesium deficiency, affecting photosynthesis.

Tobacco mosaic virus

A viral plant pathogen that leads to discolouration and stunted growth in affected plants.

Herd immunity

Immunity that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease.