When the body is pushed beyond its limits, diseases can result. In this project, we will begin to examine some of the various factors that contribute to this. Consider this....
Fun facts about microbes:
Scientists group microbes by the way they look, move, eat and reproduce.
Without microbes, there would be no chocolate!
The "wonder drug" called penicillin is actually made from a fungus
Only a small fraction of all the world's microbes can make people sick.
If all the fungi and bacteria were to disappear, the world would soon fill up with garbage.
Bacteria produce nearly half of the world's oxygen.
There are 200 known common cold viruses.
Microbes make your milk go sour and your bread get moldy, but they also help you digest your foods.
What am I? What do I cause? (click on Helicobacter pylori)
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This disease is known as ringworm and it is not
caused by a worm. Find out about
it.
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This is what the liver looks like when it has been abused with too much alcohol. (below left) Find out more about cirrhosis of the liver. |
Many diseases have a genetic component.
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Some diseases caused by animals:
Disease | Symptoms | Carrier |
---|---|---|
Bubonic plague |
Painful swelling, high fever, body aches |
Rat, flea (bacteria) |
Elephantiasis |
Rough, thickened skin, body swelling |
Worms |
Lyme disease |
Rash, fatigue, muscle and joint pain |
Deer tick (bacterial) |
Malaria |
Chills, weakness, fever, excessive perspiration |
Mosquito (protozoan) |
Plague typhus |
Fever, skin rashes |
Flea, lice, chipmunk, prairie dog, squirrel |
Rabies |
Headaches, muscle spasms, convulsions |
Woodchuck, bat, raccoons (virus) |
Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
Chills, fever, rash, leg pain |
Wood tick (bacteria) |
Sleeping sickness |
Attacks nervous system; results in prolonged sleep |
Tsetse fly |
Trichinosis |
Vomiting, fever, pain, face swelling |
Worms in pigs |
Part I: Learning About Categories of Disease:
1. Answer all questions on the Anticipation Guide to Anthrax. (work individually)
2. Share your responses with your group and select one member to share your responses with the class.
3. Read the articles Paths of a Pathogen: Anthrax, Centers for Disease Control fact sheets on Botulism, Pneumonic Plaque and Smallpox.
4. Complete the Anticipation Guide (questions 8 - 10).
5. Each group will be given a different article about a disease. Read it individually and write down three questions you would put on an Anticipation Guide. Share your questions with your group and, together, formulate an Anticipatory Quiz with 10 Facts or Falsehoods about the disease that will be given to the class. You must include the following information in your questions:Cause of the disease
Treatment
Prevention
Other Pertinent Information6. Select one member of your team to lead a discussion with the class on the answers. Be sure that you are well-informed!
Part II Immunity
immunity |
disorder |
antigen |
antibody |
pathogen |
autoimmune |
pollutant |
malfunction |
macrophage |
vaccination |
The first line of defense is nonspecific. What physical barriers do we have that offer us defense from invading pathogens?
The second line of defense is activated if the microorganism manages to get through the physical barriers established as our primary defense mechanism. Describe what is known as the inflammatory response.
The final line of defense has evolved in vertebrates and it involves attacking the specific invaders. This involves what is known as the immune system. Discuss the role of the B cells and T cells in this response. In what way are B cells and their antibodies similar to enzymes and their substrates. In what way are Helper T cells like a catalyst in a chemical reaction?
Have you done yours today?
Assignment - Part III
Your class will be assigned one of the following projects:
Sound Shore Respiratory/Hyperbaric Chamber Project - Period 7 Biology
The Giant Book for Children About Disease - Period 5 Biology
Sound Shore Medical Cardiac Project - Period 1 Biology
Disease Gazette - All classes