bio flash cards

What causes disease in a host?

A pathogen.

How is a pathogen typically transmitted from one host to another?

Through direct contact, indirect contact, air, animal, contaminated surfaces, food, or blood.

What trend was observed in measles cases as vaccination rates increased until 1995?

The number of cases of measles decreased.

What is one method used to disinfect water?

Boiling, chlorination, UV treatment, or using sterilizing solution/tablets.

What identifies a pathogen as foreign to the body?

It has specific or unique antigens.

What cells are responsible for producing antibodies?

Lymphocytes.

What do antibodies do in relation to antigens?

They bind to the antigen/pathogen with a specific shape complementary to it.

What is the role of memory cells in the immune response?

They provide long-term immunity by recognizing the pathogen if it returns.

What type of immunity describes a response after the second injection of a vaccine?

Active immunity with higher concentration of antibodies.

How does active immunity differ from passive immunity?

Active immunity involves the production of memory cells and a faster response upon subsequent exposure.

Fill in the blank: A __________ is a microorganism that can cause disease.

pathogen.

Fill in the blank: Measles vaccination rates increased, resulting in a __________ in cases.

decrease.

Fill in the blank: Disinfecting water can involve __________, chlorination, or boiling.

UV treatment.

Fill in the blank: The immune system recognizes foreign pathogens by their __________.

unique antigens.

Fill in the blank: __________ are the cells that produce antibodies in the immune response.

Lymphocytes.

Fill in the blank: Antibodies specifically bind to __________ with a matching shape.

antigens.

Fill in the blank: Memory cells provide __________ immunity by recalling previous infections.

long-term.

Fill in the blank: After the second dose of a vaccine, the body shows __________ immunity.

active.

Fill in the blank: __________ immunity is characterized by quick responses upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Active.

Fill in the blank: Passive immunity is transferred from another source and does not involve __________ production.

antibody.

What are pathogens?

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

Name a common method for preventing disease transmission.

Vaccination.

What role do antibodies play in the immune system?

They identify and neutralize pathogens.

What is herd immunity?

When a significant portion of a population is immune to a disease, providing indirect protection to others.

What are the two main types of immunity?

Active immunity and passive immunity.

How do vaccines work?

They stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens.

What is an example of a virus that can be prevented by vaccination?

Measles.

What type of cells are involved in the immune response?

Lymphocytes.

What can the presence of high antibody levels indicate?

Recent or prior exposure to a pathogen.

How can good hygiene practices help in disease prevention?

They reduce the transmission of pathogens.

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism that can cause disease.

How are pathogens classified?

Into bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

What is direct contact transmission?

Transmission of a pathogen through physical touch.

What is indirect contact transmission?

Transmission of a pathogen via objects or surfaces.

What does the term 'antigen' refer to?

A substance that triggers an immune response.

What is the function of B cells?

To produce antibodies that target specific antigens.

What do T cells do in the immune response?

They help destroy infected cells and coordinate the immune response.

What is the purpose of vaccination?

To stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against specific pathogens.

What is passive immunity?

Immunity gained through the transfer of antibodies from another source.

How does good hydration contribute to immune health?

It helps maintain optimal function of the immune system.