Science Core B T1

Question 1

Define the term disease

Answer 1

A disease is a particular abnormal condition that affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism.

Question 2

Define the term health

Answer 2

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Question 3

List different things that can cause disease

Answer 3

Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

Question 4

Define the terms infectious disease

Answer 4

An infectious disease is a disorder caused by pathogens (germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person, animal, or environment to another.

Question 5

Define non-infectious disease

Answer 5

A non-infectious disease, also known as a non-communicable disease, is a medical condition that is not caused by pathogens (like bacteria or viruses) and cannot be spread from one person to another. Instead, they are often linked to factors like genetics, lifestyle, or environmental conditions.

Question 6

Define the term pathogen

Answer 6

A pathogen is a disease-causing micro-organism, such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus.

Question 7

Key characteristics of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, fungi, parasites and prions

Answer 7

Bacteria are single-celled, can reproduce independently, and some cause diseases; viruses are smaller, need a host to replicate, and cause diseases like colds and flu; protozoans are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases; fungi are multicellular or unicellular, can cause infections, and include yeasts and molds; parasites, like worms, live on or in a host, and prions are infectious proteins that cause neurological diseases.

Question 8

2 common diseases caused by each type of pathogen

Answer 8

Viruses; Influenza (the flu), Common cold, HIV
Bacteria; E. Coli, Tuberculosis, Pneumoia
Fungi; Ringworm, Athlete’s foot
Parasites; Malaria, Tape Worm

Question 9

Explain why antibiotics cannot be used to treat a viral infection

Answer 9

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections because they target bacterial cell structures and processes that viruses lack

Question 10

2 common non-infectious diseases caused by lifestyle

Answer 10

Two common non-infectious diseases linked to lifestyle are cardiovascular diseases (like heart disease and stroke) and type 2 diabetes, both significantly influenced by factors like diet, physical activity, and smoking.

Question 11

2 common non-infectious diseases caused by genetics

Answer 11

Two common non-infectious diseases with a strong genetic component are cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease.

Question 12

2 common non-infectious diseases caused by environment

Answer 12

Two common non-infectious diseases linked to environmental factors are cardiovascular diseases (like heart disease and stroke) and chronic respiratory diseases (like asthma and COPD).

Question 13

List the components of the first line of defence and describe how it prevents disease

Answer 13

The body’s first line of defense, also known as innate immunity, comprises physical and chemical barriers like the skin, mucous membranes, and antimicrobial substances, preventing pathogens from entering and causing disease

Question 14

List the components of the second line of defence describe how it prevents disease

Answer 14

The second line of defense, comprises cells like phagocytes and natural killer cells that work to prevent disease by recognizing and eliminating pathogens through inflammation, fever, and other mechanisms.

Question 15

List the components of the third line of defence describe how it prevents disease

Answer 15

The third line of defense, or adaptive immunity, relies on B cells (producing antibodies) and T cells (cell-mediated immunity) to target and eliminate specific pathogens encountered previously, preventing disease through a targeted, memory-based response.

Question 16

Explain the difference between active and passive immunity

Answer 16

Active immunity occurs when your body’s own immune system creates antibodies to fight a specific pathogen, while passive immunity involves receiving pre-made antibodies from another source, like through an injection

Question 17

Explain how vaccines work to protect against disease

Answer 17

Vaccines work by imitating an infection to engage the body’s natural defenses. Vaccines help the body learn how to defend itself from disease without the dangers of a full-blown infection.

Question 18

6 common infectious diseases that are on the Australian immunisation schedule for children

Answer 18

diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b

Question 19

Define the term herd immunity

Answer 19

Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease and the risk of spread from person to person decreases;

Question 20

3 benefits associated with vaccines

Answer 20

An effective vaccine protects an individual against a specific infectious disease and its complications

Question 21

3 risks associated with vaccines

Answer 21

While vaccines are incredibly safe and effective, some potential risks include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seizures, and in rare cases, intussusception (related to the rotavirus vaccine