Infection and response

    AQA
    GCSE

    This topic explores the biology of communicable diseases, focusing on the interactions between pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists) and their hosts. It examines the mechanisms of transmission, the body's non-specific physical and chemical defenses, and the complex specific immune response involving white blood cells. The curriculum extends to medical interventions, covering the principles of vaccination, the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent resistance, and the rigorous process of drug discovery and development.

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    Objectives
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Pathogens: viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi.
    • Viral diseases: Measles, HIV, and Tobacco Mosaic Virus.
    • Bacterial diseases: Salmonella and Gonorrhoea.
    • Fungal and protist diseases: Rose black spot and Malaria.
    • Human defence systems: non-specific and the immune system.
    • Vaccination and the use of antibiotics/painkillers.
    • Discovery and development of drugs.
    • Producing monoclonal antibodies.
    • Uses of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and treatment.
    • Detection and identification of plant diseases.
    • Plant defence responses: physical, chemical, and mechanical.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

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