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Diseases and immunity
Explain what a pathogen is, identifying it as an organism that causes disease.
8
Objectives
80
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56
Questions
90 min
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CambridgeIGCSECombined ScienceDiseases and immunity
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Diseases and immunity outcomes8 objectives
- Explain what a pathogen is, identifying it as an organism that causes disease.
- Define a transmissible disease as one where the pathogen can be transferred from one host to another.
- Identify the ways in which pathogens can be transmitted: (a) through direct contact, including blood and other bodily fluids, and (b) indirectly via contaminated surfaces, food, animals, and air.
- Outline the body's defenses against pathogens, focusing on: skin, nasal hairs, mucus, stomach acid, and white blood cells.
- List the characteristics of viruses, specifically mentioning a protein coat and genetic material.
- Discuss the significance of the following in preventing disease spread: (a) access to clean water, (b) hygienic food preparation, (c) maintaining good personal hygiene, (d) proper waste disposal, and (e) sewage treatment (detailed stages of sewage treatment are not necessary).
- Describe active immunity as the body's defense mechanism involving the production of antibodies against a pathogen.
- State that active immunity can be acquired following an infection by a pathogen or through vaccination.
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