Assessing Knowledge About Disease Quiz

Colds and flu are usually spread by direct or indirect contact with infected persons. This means that the viruses causing these illnesses can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or sharing utensils, or through indirect contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus. This is why it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of colds and flu.

An infectious disease is a disease that is caused by pathogens. Pathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can invade the body and cause illness. These pathogens can be transmitted from person to person through various means, such as direct contact, airborne droplets, contaminated food or water, or insect bites. Therefore, the correct answer is that an infectious disease is caused by pathogens.

Cancer is a disease in which a person's body cells multiply uncontrollably. Unlike normal cells that grow, divide, and die in an orderly manner, cancer cells continue to divide and form abnormal cells. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, causing damage and impairing the normal functioning of organs.

When the skin is cut, it creates an opening that allows pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, to enter the body. The skin acts as a barrier against these harmful microorganisms, but when it is compromised by a cut, the pathogens can easily infiltrate and cause an infection. Therefore, the statement "it allows pathogens to get into the body" provides a valid explanation for why a cut in the skin can lead to an infection.

If a person's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, it means that they have diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, it can result in high blood sugar levels. This condition is known as diabetes.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms and swimming pools. They can easily spread from person to person through direct contact or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The fungi feed on dead skin cells and thrive in the warm and sweaty conditions inside shoes and socks. This leads to symptoms such as itching, burning, and cracked skin. Therefore, the correct answer is fungi.

Vaccination provides active immunity to a disease without actually getting the disease. This is achieved by introducing a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen or its components into the body. The immune system recognizes these foreign substances as potential threats and mounts an immune response, producing antibodies and memory cells specific to that pathogen. If the person is later exposed to the actual disease-causing pathogen, the immune system can quickly recognize and destroy it, preventing the person from getting sick.

An antibiotic is a chemical that kills bacteria or slows down their growth. It is used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. Antibiotics work by targeting specific structures or processes in bacteria that are essential for their survival. They can be derived from natural sources, such as fungi or bacteria, or they can be synthesized in a laboratory. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, as viruses have different structures and mechanisms compared to bacteria.

Louis Pasteur's experiments demonstrated that by killing the organisms that cause a disease, it is possible to prevent the spread of that disease. This is because the disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, are responsible for infecting individuals and causing the illness. By eliminating or controlling these organisms, the transmission of the disease from one person to another can be stopped or significantly reduced. Pasteur's work laid the foundation for the development of various preventive measures, such as vaccines and sterilization techniques, which are still used today to prevent the spread of diseases.

The breathing passages, specifically the mucus and cilia, play a crucial role in keeping pathogens out of the body. Mucus acts as a sticky substance that traps pathogens, preventing them from entering further into the respiratory system. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract and move in coordinated waves. These cilia help to sweep the trapped pathogens, along with the mucus, out of the respiratory system, preventing them from causing infections or diseases. Therefore, mucus and cilia work together as a defense mechanism to trap and remove pathogens from the breathing passages.

Joseph Lister used all of the above techniques to test his hypothesis. By washing his hands in carbolic acid before surgery, he aimed to eliminate any microorganisms present on his hands that could potentially cause infections. By washing surgical instruments in carbolic acid before surgery, he aimed to sterilize the instruments and prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the wounds. Finally, by wrapping his patients' wounds in bandages dipped in carbolic acid after surgery, he aimed to create a sterile environment and prevent the growth of microorganisms in the wounds.

An allergy is a disorder in which the immune system reacts excessively to a substance that is not typically harmful to the body. This abnormal immune response can cause a range of symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Carcinogen refers to a substance that can cause cancer, while an antibody is a protein produced by the immune system to help fight off infections. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Radiation treatment involves the use of high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. These waves, such as X-rays or gamma rays, are directed at the tumor site to damage the DNA of the cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells are more susceptible to the effects of radiation due to their rapid division and reduced ability to repair DNA damage. By targeting and destroying cancer cells, radiation treatment aims to shrink tumors and eliminate cancerous growths.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. These ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas. When an infected tick bites a person, the bacteria can enter their bloodstream, leading to the development of Lyme disease. The other options listed (coughing or sneezing, eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water) are not known modes of transmission for Lyme disease. Therefore, the correct answer is "the bite of an infected tick."

Newborn babies have passive immunity to many diseases because they have antibodies that were produced by their mothers' bodies. During pregnancy, the mother's immune system produces antibodies that are transferred to the baby through the placenta. These antibodies provide temporary protection to the baby, as their own immune system is still developing. This passive immunity helps to protect the newborn from various diseases until their own immune system becomes fully functional.

Passive immunity is different from active immunity because it involves antibodies that have not been produced by the body of the immunized person. In passive immunity, the person receives pre-formed antibodies from an external source, such as through breastfeeding or receiving immunoglobulin injections. These antibodies provide immediate protection against specific diseases but do not stimulate the person's immune system to produce their own antibodies. This type of immunity is temporary and does not provide long-term protection like active immunity, where the body produces its own antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination.

Active immunity refers to the immune response generated by an individual's own immune system in response to the presence of a pathogen. This response involves the production of antibodies that specifically target and neutralize the pathogen, providing long-term protection against future infections. This type of immunity can be acquired naturally through infection or artificially through vaccination. Unlike passive immunity, which involves the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from another source, active immunity relies on the individual's immune system to actively recognize and respond to the pathogen.

When lymphocytes encounter an allergen, the body produces histamine. Histamine is a chemical substance released by mast cells and basophils in response to an allergic reaction. It plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by causing inflammation, dilating blood vessels, and increasing mucus production. This response helps to defend the body against potential threats but can also lead to symptoms such as itching, swelling, and congestion commonly associated with allergies.

The correct answer is "destroy pathogens before they can cause disease." Immunity refers to the body's ability to recognize and eliminate harmful pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, before they can cause illness. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including the production of antibodies and activation of immune cells, which work together to neutralize or eliminate the pathogens. By destroying pathogens, the immune system helps to prevent the development of disease and maintain overall health.

Cigarette smoke contains tar, which is a carcinogen. Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer when exposed to living tissue. Tar is a sticky, brown substance that is produced when tobacco is burned, and it contains numerous harmful chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene, formaldehyde, and arsenic. These carcinogens can damage DNA and other genetic material, leading to the development of cancerous cells. Therefore, the presence of tar in cigarette smoke makes it a carcinogen.

Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer. They can be found in various forms such as chemicals, radiation, or certain types of viruses. Carcinogens can damage DNA and disrupt normal cell growth, leading to the development of cancerous cells. Examples of common carcinogens include tobacco smoke, asbestos, certain chemicals used in industries, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is important to minimize exposure to carcinogens to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

HIV damages the immune system by destroying T cells. T cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response and are responsible for recognizing and attacking infected cells. HIV specifically targets CD4+ T cells, which are essential for immune function. As the virus replicates within these cells, it leads to their destruction, weakening the immune system's ability to fight off infections and diseases. This gradual depletion of T cells ultimately results in the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

A person with diabetes is often hungry because their body cells don't take in enough glucose. In diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or it doesn't use insulin effectively. Insulin is responsible for allowing glucose to enter the body cells and be used as energy. When there is a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, the glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells. As a result, the body cells don't receive enough glucose for energy, leading to increased hunger as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy.

Phagocytes are a type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the inflammatory response. They are responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign particles, such as bacteria and dead cells, in order to protect the body from infection. Phagocytes release chemical signals that attract other immune cells to the site of inflammation, leading to the characteristic redness, swelling, and heat associated with inflammation. Therefore, phagocytes are an essential component of the inflammatory response.

T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for identifying pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, and distinguishing one pathogen from another. T cells do this by recognizing specific molecules, called antigens, on the surface of pathogens. This recognition allows T cells to initiate an immune response and coordinate the body's defense against the invading pathogens. B cells also play a role in identifying pathogens, but they primarily produce antibodies that help in neutralizing the pathogens, while T cells directly recognize and respond to the antigens. Phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are another type of immune cell that engulf and destroy pathogens, but they do not have the ability to distinguish one pathogen from another. Red blood cells, on the other hand, are not involved in the immune response and do not play a role in identifying pathogens.

The inflammatory response is called a general defense because it responds in the same way to any kind of pathogen. This means that regardless of the specific type of pathogen, the body's inflammatory response will be triggered and activated. The response involves various immune cells releasing chemicals to increase blood flow to the affected area, causing redness, swelling, and heat. This response helps to isolate and destroy the pathogen, as well as recruit other immune cells to the site of infection. By responding in a similar manner to all pathogens, the inflammatory response acts as a general defense mechanism against a wide range of infectious agents.

During the inflammatory response, white blood cells are responsible for destroying pathogens, chemicals released during inflammation may cause a fever, and swelling occurs to increase blood flow to the infected area. However, antibodies are not produced as part of the inflammatory response. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of specific antigens and are involved in the adaptive immune response, not the immediate inflammatory response.