Communicable diseases key terms

digitalis

In Discovery and development of drugs, digitalis refers to in Discovery and development of drugs, digitalis refers to a heart drug that originates from the foxglove plant. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the heart drug digitalis originates from foxgloves. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the heart drug digitalis originates from foxgloves. In exam questions, treat digitalis as the named drug or product students must remember, and link it back to its natural source correctly.

foxgloves

In Discovery and development of drugs, foxgloves refers to in Discovery and development of drugs, foxgloves refers to plants from which the heart drug digitalis is derived. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the heart drug digitalis originates from foxgloves. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the heart drug digitalis originates from foxgloves. In exam questions, treat foxgloves as the natural source or organism students must remember, rather than the drug that comes from it.

aspirin

In Discovery and development of drugs, aspirin refers to in Discovery and development of drugs, aspirin refers to a painkiller that originates from the willow tree. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the painkiller aspirin originates from willow. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the painkiller aspirin originates from willow. In exam questions, treat aspirin as the named drug or product students must remember, and link it back to its natural source correctly.

willow

In Discovery and development of drugs, willow refers to in Discovery and development of drugs, willow refers to a type of tree from which the painkiller aspirin is derived. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the painkiller aspirin originates from willow. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to recall that the painkiller aspirin originates from willow. In exam questions, treat willow as the natural source or organism students must remember, rather than the drug that comes from it.

penicillin

An antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming, derived from the Penicillium mould, used to treat bacterial infections.

Alexander Fleming

A Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin in 1928, marking a significant advancement in medical treatment.

synthesis

In Discovery and development of drugs, synthesis refers to the process by which chemists create new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to explain that most new drugs are synthesised by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

pharmaceutical industry

The sector of the economy that develops, produces, and markets drugs and medications.

chemical extraction

The process of obtaining a substance from a plant or other source, which can be the starting point for developing new drugs.

plant-derived drugs

Medications that originate from compounds found in plants, which may serve as the basis for new pharmaceutical developments.

drug testing

In Discovery and development of drugs, drug testing refers to the process of evaluating new drugs to ensure they are safe and effective for use. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to explain that new drugs must be tested to show that they are safe and effective. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

safety and efficacy

The assessment of a drug's ability to produce the desired therapeutic effect without causing harmful side effects.

toxicity

In Discovery and development of drugs, toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to explain that new drugs are tested for toxicity, efficacy and dose. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

efficacy

In Discovery and development of drugs, efficacy refers to the ability of a drug to produce the desired therapeutic effect. This matters in Communicable diseases because it supports the learning objective to explain that new drugs are tested for toxicity, efficacy and dose. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

preclinical testing

The process of evaluating a new drug's safety and efficacy using cells, tissues, and live animals before it is tested in humans.

live animals

Organisms used in preclinical testing to assess the biological effects and safety of new drugs prior to clinical trials.

clinical trials

Research studies that test new drugs on healthy volunteers and patients to assess their safety and efficacy.

healthy volunteers

Individuals without known health issues who participate in clinical trials to help evaluate the safety of new drugs.

clinical trials

Research studies that test new drugs on human participants to assess their safety and effectiveness.

optimum dose

The most effective amount of a drug that achieves the desired therapeutic effect with minimal side effects.

double blind trial

A clinical trial design in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment or the placebo, to eliminate bias.

placebo

An inactive substance or treatment given to a control group in a clinical trial, used to compare against the effects of the actual drug.

peer review

A process where scientific findings are evaluated by experts in the field before publication.

published results

The final outcomes of scientific testing and trials that are made available to the public after thorough evaluation.