4.1.1 Communicable Disease and Prevention – Sources of Medicines Flashcards
(9 cards)
State 2 natural substances that can be used to make medicines.
Microorganisms and plants.
Which plant was aspirin originally discovered?
Willow bark.
Which plant contains an extract that can be used to treat arrhythmias?
Foxgloves.
Which microorganism was penicillin originally extracted from?
Mould (growing on melons)
What type of bacteria can be used to synthesise medicines?
Genetically modified bacteria.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
Why is maintaining biodiversity so important for future drug discovery?
Many plants and/or microorganisms produce molecules that may have medical benefits.
There are many plants / molecules that are yet to be discovered.
What is personalised medicine?
A combination of drugs that work with an individual’s genetics and disease.
What are the advantages of personalised medicine
Treatment is more successful.
Money is not wasted on drugs that are ineffective.
Fewer side effects because fewer drugs taken.
Treatment is less toxic and harms fewer healthy cells.
