Harmful microorganisms

Question 1

what are some microorganisms?

Answer 1

pathogens

Question 2

Describe how pathogens can enter the body

Answer 2

• nose (airborne microorganisms)
• mouth (contaminated food and water)
• skin (insect bites, cuts, infected needles)
• reproductive organs (contact)

Question 3

Relate different types of microorganisms to the disease they can cause

Answer 3

• cholera and food poisoning, caused by bacteria
• influenza and chickenpox, caused by viruses
• athlete’s foot caused by a fungus.

Question 4

when can diseases such as cholera and food poisoning be a major problem

Answer 4

after a natural disaster such as earthquakes and eruptingvolcanoes

Question 5

what can harmful bacteria be controlled by?

Answer 5

antibiotics

Question 6

if too much antibiotics is taken what can happen to the bacteria?

Answer 6

it can develop a resistance

Question 7

Explain why natural disasters cause a rapid spread of diseases

Answer 7

• damage to sewage systems and water supplies
• damage to electrical supplies causing rapid food
decay
• displacement of people
• disruption to health services

Question 8

Describe the stages of an infectious disease

Answer 8

• entry into the body
• rapid growth, the incubation period
• production of many toxins
• appearance of symptoms such as fever

Question 9

Understand how the transmission of diseases can be prevented, limited to disease transmitted by:

Answer 9

• food - prepared hygienically
• water - organising clean water supplies
• contact - limiting frequency or size of public gatherings
• airborne droplets - covering mouth and nose

Question 10

Describe how antiseptics and antibiotics are used in the control of disease

Answer 10

antiseptics - chemicals used to kill microorganisms and prevents diseases spreading during surgery or food prep

antibiotics - drugs that kill bacteria. They’re effective in treating diseases caused by bacteria and aren’t against viruses.

Question 11

what are viruses unaffected by?

Answer 11

antibiotics

Question 12

Describe the pioneering work of the following

scientists in the treatment of disease

Answer 12

• Pasteur and the germ theory of disease
• Lister and the development of antiseptics
• Fleming and the discovery of penicillin

Question 13

Explain how some strains of bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics by natural selection

Answer 13

through natural selection, some strains of bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics because after a period of time they become more adapted to it, so are able to survive.

Question 14

Explain the importance of various procedures in the prevention of antibiotic resistance

Answer 14

• doctors only prescribe antibiotics when appropriate or necessary
• the full course of antibiotic is taken, even if symptoms disappear