Human Health and Disease Exercise 08

Question:

What is the mechanism by which the AIDS virus causes deficiency of immune system of the infected person?

Answer:

  1. The AIDS virus, also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), infects certain cells of the immune system, such as CD4+ T-cells, macrophages and dendritic cells.

  2. The virus replicates inside these cells and eventually kills them, resulting in a decrease in the number of these cells and a weakened immune system.

  3. The virus also produces cytokines and chemokines, which further suppress the immune system by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of other immune cells.

  4. The weakened immune system of the infected person makes them more susceptible to opportunistic infections and other diseases.

Question:

How is a cancerous cell different from a normal cell?

Answer:

  1. Cancerous cells are abnormal cells that grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.

  2. Normal cells divide in a regulated way to produce more cells only when the body needs them.

  3. Cancerous cells do not respond to signals that control or stop cell growth.

  4. Normal cells stop growing and dividing when they come into contact with other cells.

  5. Cancerous cells can spread to other tissues and organs, whereas normal cells remain in the same place and do not spread.

  6. Cancerous cells lack the normal structure and organization of normal cells.

  7. Cancerous cells do not die when they should, whereas normal cells will die when they reach the end of their lifespan.

Question:

Explain what is meant by metastasis.

Answer:

  1. Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original (primary) tumor to other parts of the body.

  2. It occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other organs and tissues in the body, where they can form new tumors.

  3. Metastasis is the most common cause of death from cancer, as it is often difficult to treat and can spread to vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain.

Question:

What are the various public health measures, which you would suggest as safeguard against infectious diseases?

Answer:

  1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  2. Practice social distancing: Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people, especially those who are coughing or sneezing.

  3. Wear a face mask: Wear a face mask when in public, especially when you are in close contact with other people.

  4. Avoid large gatherings: Try to avoid large gatherings of people, such as concerts, sporting events, and religious services.

  5. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, and countertops.

  6. Stay home when you are sick: Stay home if you are feeling sick, and avoid contact with people who are ill.

  7. Get vaccinated: Get vaccinated for diseases like the flu, measles, and pertussis.

  8. Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system.

  9. Exercise regularly: Exercise regularly to keep your body healthy and strong.

  10. Get enough sleep: Make sure to get enough sleep to help your body fight off infections.

Question:

What measure would you take to prevent water-borne diseases?

Answer:

  1. Provide access to clean drinking water. This can be done by installing water filtration systems in homes and public places, or by providing access to clean and safe water sources.

  2. Educate people on the importance of proper sanitation. This includes teaching people how to properly dispose of human waste, wash their hands after using the restroom, and avoid contact with contaminated water.

  3. Implement public health campaigns to raise awareness of water-borne diseases. This includes educating people on the signs and symptoms of water-borne diseases, and providing information on how to prevent them.

  4. Provide access to healthcare. This includes making sure people have access to medical care if they become ill, and providing vaccinations to those who are at risk.

  5. Monitor water quality. This includes testing water sources for contamination, and taking steps to treat or filter water that is found to be contaminated.

Question:

Why is that once a person starts taking alcohol or drugs, it is difficult to get rid of this habit?

Answer:

  1. Alcohol and drugs can be addictive, meaning that the person may experience physical and psychological cravings for the substance.

  2. When a person starts to rely on alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues, they may become dependent on it.

  3. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol or drugs, they may find it difficult to stop using them, even if they want to.

  4. This is because the body has become accustomed to the effects of the substance and may experience withdrawal symptoms when it is removed.

  5. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and can cause the person to crave the substance even more.

  6. Additionally, alcohol and drugs can alter the way the brain works, making it difficult to resist the urge to use them.

  7. Without professional help, it can be very difficult for a person to break the habit of using alcohol or drugs.

Question:

Draw a well-labelled diagram of an antibody molecule.

Answer:

  1. Draw a circle to represent the center of the antibody molecule.

  2. Draw a line coming out of the top of the circle to represent the heavy chain of the antibody molecule.

  3. Draw a line coming out of the bottom of the circle to represent the light chain of the antibody molecule.

  4. Draw two lines coming out of the top of the heavy chain to represent the two antigen binding sites.

  5. Draw two lines coming out of the bottom of the light chain to represent the two antigen binding sites.

  6. Label each of the four antigen binding sites with the letter ‘A’.

  7. Label the heavy chain with the letter ‘H’ and the light chain with the letter ‘L’.

  8. Label the circle at the center with the letter ‘C’ to represent the constant region.

Question:

List the harmful effects caused by alcohol/drug abuse.

Answer:

  1. Physical Health Problems: a. Liver damage b. Heart problems c. Brain damage d. High blood pressure e. Weakened immune system

  2. Mental Health Problems: a. Depression b. Anxiety c. Memory loss d. Paranoia e. Suicidal thoughts

  3. Social Problems: a. Strained relationships b. Loss of job c. Financial difficulties d. Criminal behavior e. Increased risk of accidents

Question:

Do you think that friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs? If yes, how may one protect himself/herself from such an influence?

Answer:

Step 1: Identify the question. The question is asking whether friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs and, if so, how one can protect themselves from such an influence.

Step 2: Analyze the question. The question is asking for an opinion on whether friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs and, if so, what steps one can take to protect themselves from such an influence.

Step 3: Formulate an answer. Yes, friends can influence one to take alcohol/drugs. To protect oneself from such an influence, one should be mindful of their friends’ behavior and be willing to engage in conversations about the risks associated with taking drugs and alcohol. Additionally, one should be aware of the warning signs of addiction and be sure to get help if needed.

Question:

How does the transmission of amoebiasis diseases take place?

Answer:

  1. Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica.

  2. The infection is spread through contact with contaminated food or water, as well as through contact with an infected person.

  3. The parasite is found in the stool of an infected person and can be passed on to another person through contact with contaminated hands, objects, food, or water.

  4. The parasite can also be spread through sexual contact.

  5. Once inside the body, the parasite can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools.

Question:

Differentiate between the following with examples: (a) Innate and acquired immunity (b) Active and passive immunity

Answer:

(a) Innate immunity is the body’s natural, in-born immunity to disease. Examples of innate immunity include the skin, mucous membranes, and stomach acid. Acquired immunity is immunity that is developed through exposure to a disease or through vaccination. Examples of acquired immunity include vaccinations and immunization.

(b) Active immunity is immunity that is developed through the body producing its own antibodies in response to an antigen. Examples of active immunity include vaccinations and natural exposure to a disease. Passive immunity is immunity that is acquired through the transfer of antibodies from another individual. Examples of passive immunity include antibodies passed from mother to fetus and antibodies received through a blood transfusion.

Question:

In your view what motivates youngsters to take alcohol or drugs and how can this be avoided?

Answer:

Step 1: Identify the main problem: why do young people take alcohol or drugs?

Step 2: Consider potential causes of drug and alcohol abuse among young people, such as peer pressure, curiosity, boredom, low self-esteem, or a need to fit in.

Step 3: Look into preventive measures that could be taken to help reduce the risk of young people taking drugs and alcohol, such as providing education about the dangers of substance abuse, offering support and guidance to young people, and creating an environment that promotes healthy behaviors.

Step 4: Implement the preventive measures and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing drug and alcohol use among young people.

Question:

Name the primary and secondary lymphoid organs.

Answer:

Primary Lymphoid Organs:

  1. Bone marrow
  2. Thymus

Secondary Lymphoid Organs:

  1. Spleen
  2. Lymph nodes
  3. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
  4. Tonsils
  5. Appendix

Question:

The following are some well-known abbreviations, which have been used in this chapter. Expand each one to its full form: (a) MALT (b) CMI (c) AIDS (d) NACO (e) HIV

Answer:

(a) MALT: Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (b) CMI: Cell-Mediated Immunity (c) AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (d) NACO: National AIDS Control Organisation (e) HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Question:

What are the various routes by which transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus takes place?

Answer:

  1. Step 1: Understand the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

  2. Step 2: Research the various routes of HIV transmission.

  3. Step 3: Identify the various routes of HIV transmission, which may include: a. Sexual contact b. Sharing needles or syringes c. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding d. Receiving contaminated blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants e. Exposure to other bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk f. Accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings.

Question:

In which way has the study of biology helped us to control infectious diseases?

Answer:

  1. The study of biology has helped us to control infectious diseases by providing us with a better understanding of how diseases spread and how they can be prevented.

  2. Through the study of biology, we have learned about the different types of infectious diseases and how they are transmitted from one person to another.

  3. We have also gained insights into the biological processes that cause infectious diseases, such as how viruses and bacteria reproduce and how they interact with the human body.

  4. This knowledge has enabled us to develop vaccines and other treatments to help prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.

  5. Additionally, the study of biology has helped us to improve sanitation and hygiene practices, which are essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Question:

Discuss with your teacher what does a suitable gene means, in the context of DNA vaccines.

Answer:

  1. Begin by asking your teacher to explain what is meant by a ‘suitable gene’ in the context of DNA vaccines.

  2. Listen to your teacher’s explanation and ask any questions to ensure you understand the concept.

  3. Once you have a clear understanding of the concept, discuss with your teacher what makes a gene suitable for use in DNA vaccines.

  4. Ask your teacher to provide examples of suitable genes and explain why they are suitable for use in DNA vaccines.

  5. Discuss any potential risks associated with using unsuitable genes in DNA vaccines.

  6. Summarize the key points of the discussion and ask your teacher to provide any additional information or resources that may be helpful.