Fungal and Protist Diseases
This section covers fungal and protist diseases, their symptoms, spread, and prevention methods.
Fungal Disease: Rose Black Spot
- Symptoms: Purple/black spots on rose leaves
- Spread: Spores carried by wind or water
- Prevention: Fungicides or burning affected leaves
Highlight: Fungal diseases in plants can significantly reduce photosynthesis and stunt growth.
Protist Disease: Malaria
- Symptoms: Fevers, shaking, potentially fatal
- Spread: Female Anopheles mosquito vector
- Prevention: Insecticide-coated nets, removing stagnant water, antimalarial drugs
Example: The Anopheles mosquito acts as a vector for malaria, transmitting the protist when it feeds on human blood.
Understanding these diseases is crucial for GCSE Biology Communicable Diseases exam questions and Infection and response Biology Revision.
Human Defence System
The human body has two main defense systems against pathogens:
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Non-Specific Defence:
Skin: Physical barrier, antimicrobial secretions
Nose: Hairs and mucus trap pathogens
Trachea and Bronchi: Mucus and cilia trap and remove pathogens
Stomach: Hydrochloric acid kills pathogens
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Specific Defence:
Phagocytosis: White blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens
Antibodies: Bind to specific antigens on pathogens
Antitoxins: Neutralize toxins secreted by pathogens
Definition: Immunity is the ability of the body to resist a particular infection or toxin through the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
This knowledge is essential for understanding how pathogens cause disease and how the spread of disease can be reduced or prevented GCSE.
