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Module 15 - Microbes & Disease - Revision notesHere are the key ideas from Module 15. Make sure that you also look at your written notes and the sites on the links page.
What are microorganisms?Microorganisms (sometimes called microbes) are the smallest living things. They are so small that they cannot be seen without the help of a microscope. There are three types of microorganisms you need to know about:
Bacteria
Viruses
It is a point of argument whether viruses are actually alive, because they don’t grow, respire, excrete etc. FungiNot all fungi are microorganisms; mushrooms, for example, are fungi that can be seen without a microscope. Fungi that are microorganisms include yeast, penicillin and the organism that causes Athlete’s Foot. The uses of microorganismsIt is a mistake to think that all microorganisms are harmful; often, humans use microorganisms for more useful purposes: Yeast (a fungus) respires when sugars are present to form two substances; carbon dioxide and alcohol. This process is called fermentation. We can use the carbon dioxide when baking bread to make the dough rise, so yeast is used in bread-making. We can use the alcohol to make alcoholic drinks, so yeast is used in the manufacture of beer, wines or spirits. Penicillin (another fungus) makes a form of antibiotic (see below) for fighting against bacteria. How do harmful microorganisms spread?There are many ways that harmful microorganisms can spread:
How can we protect ourselves against infectious disease?Your body has many natural defences against harmful microorganisms entering and causing harm: The skin acts as a barrier against microorganisms entering. Hairs in your nose and in the passageways leading down to the lungs are coated in mucus that traps invaders. The hairs can then push the mucus up and out when you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Enzymes in tears and saliva break down bacteria to stop them entering your body. If you eat or drink something that contains bacteria, they are often destroyed by the acid in your stomach. Your blood contains white blood cells and platelets (as well as red blood cells for carrying oxygen):
AntibioticsAntibiotics are drugs that doctors prescribe against bacterial infections. They do not work against diseases caused by viruses, which is why doctors will not give them to patients with a common cold or flu. The most famous antibiotic is called penicillin. It was discovered by a Scottish scientist called Alexander Fleming.
Immunisation (Vaccination)Immunisation is the process of injecting people with dead or inactive versions of microorganisms (vaccination). Once a person has been vaccinated, their body starts to make antibodies that destroy the microorganism. Because the microorganisms in the vaccination are not dangerous, the person does not get ill. However, if they later come into contact with a live (dangerous) microorganism, then they already have the antibodies they need to destroy it before it multiplies and makes them ill.
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