Types of Pathogens and Microscope Use

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary symptom associated with cholera caused by vibrio cholerae?

Skin rashes

Coughing

Fever

Diarrhoea (correct)

Which method is recommended to prevent malaria transmission?

Drinking antiseptics

Avoiding fruits

Taking antibiotics

Using mosquito nets (correct)

What is the main characteristic of tuberculosis as caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis?

It leads to lung damage (correct)

It causes skin lesions

It can be effectively treated with herbal remedies

It primarily affects insects

How is chalara ash dieback primarily spread?

By wind and movement of trees Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the microscope preparation process?

Heating the slide before placing the specimen Signup and view all the answers

How many genes were mapped as part of the Human Genome Project by 2003?

20,500 Signup and view all the answers

What does the Human Genome Project aim to uncover about genes related to diseases?

The function of genes associated with diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about malaria's vector is correct?

Mosquitoes pass on the protist but do not contract the disease Signup and view all the answers

What is one main ethical concern related to the human genome project?

It could lead to genetic discrimination by employers. Signup and view all the answers

Which step follows the discovery of a potential drug during the drug trials process?

Preclinical and clinical trials. Signup and view all the answers

During preclinical testing, what is the first step taken to assess a drug's effects?

Testing on human tissue or blood. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a drug successfully passes animal trials during preclinical testing?

It is subjected to clinical trials with healthy volunteers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a blind trial in clinical testing?

To eliminate bias from doctors and patients. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence faced by individuals susceptible to inherited diseases?

Pressure to avoid having children. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key feature of clinical testing?

Drugs undergo multiple phases involving healthy and ill participants. Signup and view all the answers

How was penicillin discovered according to historical accounts?

By noticing mold inhibiting bacterial growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of the Human Genome Project regarding inherited diseases?

It makes it easier to identify alleles for inherited diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase comes immediately after a drug passes animal trials during preclinical testing?

Testing on healthy human volunteers. Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of drug trials is a placebo used?

Testing on healthy volunteers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical concern related to identifying genetic diseases through the Human Genome Project?

Potential discrimination by employers based on genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the preclinical testing phase of drug trials?

To evaluate drug safety through animal and tissue testing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of drug discovery in the development process?

It involves identifying molecules that could serve as drugs. Signup and view all the answers

What typically follows the testing of a drug on healthy human volunteers?

Testing on patients with the relevant illness. Signup and view all the answers

Why might genetic information lead to pressure against having children for some individuals?

They might fear passing on genetic diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a method to prevent the spread of chalara ash dieback?

Remove infected ash trees and restrict movement of young ash trees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission?

They serve as carriers of the protist without contracting the disease themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to prepare a specimen for viewing under a microscope?

Use a thin slice of the specimen and drop a water droplet on the slide Signup and view all the answers

During the Human Genome Project, which of the following was a significant outcome by 2003?

Mapping of the complete human genome including around 20,500 genes Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary symptom of tuberculosis caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Coughing and lung damage Signup and view all the answers

How can access to clean water help in preventing cholera?

It reduces populations of vibrio cholerae in the water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What role do scientists play after mapping the genes in the Human Genome Project?

They look to determine the functions of the mapped genes. Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution is effective in preventing malaria-related mosquito bites?

Using mosquito nets and insect repellent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Pathogens and Their Causes

Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae, symptoms include diarrhea; prevention involves clean water access.
Tuberculosis: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, symptoms include coughing and lung damage; spread through air; affected individuals should isolate themselves in well-ventilated areas.
Malaria: Caused by a protist; spread by mosquitos; symptoms include damage to red blood cells and liver; prevention includes mosquito nets and insect repellent.
Chalara ash dieback: A fungus affecting ash trees, causing leaf loss and bark lesions; spread through wind and ash tree movement; prevention involves removing infected ash trees and restricting ash tree movement between areas.

Using a Microscope

Magnification Technique: To magnify specimens, prepare a thin specimen slide with a water drop, place on a slide, and cover with a cover-slide to avoid air bubbles.
Steps:
- Prepare a thin specimen slice.
- Place on a slide with a drop of water, using a pipette to secure it.
- Add a stain to translucent specimens to improve visibility of different parts of the specimen.
- Secure a cover slide to avoid air bubbles.
- Select the lowest power objective lens.
- Adjust coarse focus then fine focus for clear view.
- Switch to a higher powered lens for further magnification.

Human Genome Project

Goal: Scientists worked to map human genes and their functions.
Timeline: Started in 1990, completed in 2003.
Outcome: Identified approximately 20,500 genes.
Current Research: Investigating the role of identified genes in common diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer).
Benefits: Faster identification of disease alleles and potential cures.
Importance: Identifying genes related to common diseases can lead to better treatment and preventative measures.

Drug Trials

Preclinical Testing: Testing a new drug on human tissue or animals (often in animal models of the disease) to assess its effects, dosage, and potential toxicity.
Clinical Trials: Human trials to evaluate the drug's safety and effectiveness.
- Healthy Volunteers: Initial testing on healthy individuals to identify adverse effects.
- Illness Patients: Subsequent testing on people with the illness, often using a "blind" trial (where either participants or researchers are unaware of whether they are receiving the drug or a placebo), to evaluate efficacy and safety.
Bias Avoidance : "Blind trial" design helps reduce bias in the research design.
Drug Development Process: The process involves many steps from initial discovery to clinical testing to ensure safety and efficacy before the drug can be used by patients.

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Description

Explore different types of pathogens such as cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, and chalara ash dieback while understanding their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods. Gain practical skills in using a microscope effectively for specimen observation.