health and disease

Question 1

Antibiotic

Answer 1

A chemical or compound produced by a living organism that kills or prevents the
growth of bacteria. Antibiotics have no effect on the cells of the host organism.

Question 2

Antibodies

Answer 2

Proteins produced by B-lymphocytes in response to a specific antigen,
triggering an immune response.

Question 3

Antigen

Answer 3

A unique chemical present on the surface of a cell that induces an immune
response.

Question 4

Antiseptics

Answer 4

Chemicals secreted by plants which kill bacterial and fungal pathogens

Question 5

Body mass index (BMI)

Answer 5

A value based on height and mass used to categorise an
individual as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese

Question 6

Cardiovascular disease

Answer 6

A group of diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels.

Question 7

Cell wall

Answer 7

An outer layer made of cellulose that strengthens plant cells and serves as a
physical barrier against pathogens

Question 8

Cholera

Answer 8

A water-borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the toxins of
which cause severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration

Question 9

Cilia

Answer 9

Hair-like structures found on ciliated epithelial cells that waft substances across the
surface of the tissue in one direction.

Question 10

Communicable disease

Answer 10

A disease that is caused by a pathogen which can be spread
between individuals (either directly or indirectly).

Question 11

Disease

Answer 11

A disorder of the body or mind that negatively affects an individual’s health.

Question 12

*Hybridoma cell

Answer 12

A hybrid cell that results from the fusion of a B-lymphocyte with a
myeloma cell. It is used to rapidly produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies.

Question 13

Hydrochloric acid

Answer 13

The primary constituent of stomach acid. Its acidic pH kills any
pathogens that are swallowed.

Question 14

Immune system

Answer 14

The body’s defence against pathogens once they have entered the body.
It aims to prevent or minimise disease caused by pathogens.

Question 15

Immunisation

Answer 15

The deliberate exposure of an individual to a dead or inactive pathogen.
This triggers the production of antibodies and memory lymphocytes, providing immunity
against a disease

Question 16

Lysozyme

Answer 16

An enzyme found in tears that digests bacterial cell walls, killing bacteria and
protecting the eye.

Question 17

Malnutrition

Answer 17

A condition resulting from a diet lacking in, or too rich in nutrients.

Question 18

Memory lymphocyte

Answer 18

A type of white blood cell that remains in the blood and provides
immunological memory to a specific antigen on a pathogen.

Question 19

Mucus

Answer 19

A viscous, slimy fluid that lines the surface of many tissues in the body and traps
pathogens.

Question 20

Non-communicable disease

Answer 20

A disease that cannot be spread between individuals. It is
caused by the interaction of a number of risk factors.

Question 21

Pathogen

Answer 21

A disease-causing organism, e.g. viruses, fungi, bacteria, protists

Question 22

Primary immune response

Answer 22

The response of the immune system to a pathogen when it is
first encountered. A small number of antibodies are produced slowly.

Question 23

Secondary immune response

Answer 23

The response of the immune system to a pathogen when it
is encountered for a second (third, fourth…etc.) time. Memory lymphocytes rapidly produce
a large number of antibodies.

Question 24

White blood cells

Answer 24

Cells of the immune system that protect the body from invading
pathogens