Diseases 12.2

Question 1

Plant Diseases

Answer 1

Plant diseases can threaten people as the plants won’t grow and it will cause starvation or struggle in economy. It can also damage ecosystems as some species can be threatened

Question 2

Some examples of plant diseases

Answer 2

Ring rot, tobacco mosaic virus, potato blight, black sigatoka

Question 3

Ring rot

Answer 3

Affects potato, tomato and aubergine. It is caused by gram positive bacteria. It damages the fruit and leaves and affects a whole crop, destroying it. There is no cure and you cannot grow things on that land for two years.

Question 4

Tobacco Mosaic

Answer 4

This is a virus that grows on tobacco plants and other flowers. They damage the leaves and fruit and can reduce crop yield so crops will be lost. There are some strains which are resistant but there is no cure

Question 5

Potato Blight

Answer 5

This is caused by a protoctista that damages the leaves and fruit so results in lost crops. There are resistant strains, chemical treatments etc.. that can prevent it.

Question 6

Black sigatoka

Answer 6

This is a banana disease that is caused by fungus. It attacks the leaves and turns them black. It can reduce the crop yield and there’s no cure but fungicide can work.

Question 7

Animal Diseases

Answer 7

These are diseases that affect our wellbeing and health.

Question 8

Examples of animal disease

Answer 8

Tuberculosis, Bacterial Meningitis, HIV, Athletes Foot, Malaria, Influenza, Ring worm

Question 9

Tuberculosis

Answer 9

This is caused by bacteria and it damages the lung tissue and surpresses the immune system so you’re less likely to be able to fight off diseases. It can be cured for people and prevented by vaccines. It can occur in animals too like pigs, cows etc..

Question 10

Bacterial Meningitis

Answer 10

Bacterial infection of the meninges in the brain which are a protective membrane. This is very dangerous and can lead to septicemia and rapid death. Symptoms can include a blotchy purple rash that doesn’t go away when a glass is pressed on it. Treatment has to be administered very early on or severe damage can occur. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Question 11

HIV/ AIDs

Answer 11

Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This targets the T helper cells in the immune system so gradually destroys the immune system which then means they’re vulnerable to other diseases like TB. The virus is a retrovirus with RNA as it’s genetic material. It transcribes its RNA into one strand of DNA which will then interact with the genetic material in the hosts cell and damage it. There is no vaccine or cure, but anti-retroviral drugs are given to manage it. It can be spread through bodily fluids.

Question 12

Influenza

Answer 12

This is a viral infection of the ciliated epithelial cells in the airways. It damages those cells which then can lead to secondary infections that can be a lot worse. There are 3 different strains A,B and C and A is the most virulent. The flu can mutate but it normally doesn’t change a lot so your antibodies will still work.

Question 13

Malaria

Answer 13

Caused by protoctista and is spread by mosquitos that act as the vectors. It reproduces inside a female mosquito which will then take a meal from your blood and pass it on. Here it will invade the blood cells, liver and brain and can recur and make you more vulnerable to other infections. There is no vaccine and limited cures so you have to try and prevent the mosquito from biting people.

Question 14

Ring Worm

Answer 14

It’s a fungal disease that grows on the skin and may be grey crusty and itchy. it is treated with antifungal cream.

Question 15

Athletes Foot

Answer 15

This is a fungal infection that grows in moist areas between the toes on the feet. It can cause cracking in the skin and can be itchy and sore.