Organisms are organised on a cellular basis.

All the basic functions of life are the result of what happens inside the cells which make up an organism. Sometimes
we get sick because microorganisms infect our cells, this means they cannot function properly, and neither can our
bodies. These types of diseases are spread from person to person when microorganisms, or pathogens, are
transferred between individuals. Plants can also get diseases by being infected by microorganisms.

In this unit you will see how health is affected by communicable diseases. You will look at the different pathogens that
can cause communicable disease, including bacteria, viruses, and protists, and how these can be spread between
organisms – both animals and plants. As part of this, you will look at the development of simple hygiene methods to
prevent the spread of pathogens as well as the isolation of individuals who are infected, the destruction of or control
of vectors, and the use of vaccination. You will also be able to describe the different pathogens, the symptoms and
treatments of a range of different animal and plant diseases, and the different defence mechanisms of the human
body and plants.

Firstly, you should know about the similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells;
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z84jtv4/revision/2

When learning about health, and how our bodies are affected when we are sick, it is important to understand how our
bodies are organised. The three links below go through everything you need to know about organisation in animals:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyptv9q/revision/1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zcttv9q/revision/1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqnsrwx/revision/1

Finally, you must also understand how plants are organised to be able to learn about plant disease:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyk8msg/revision/1

B1.1, B2.1, B3.1

L
1. What does healthy mean?
£ A. A person who rarely gets a disease
£ B. Somebody who can exercise for a long time
£ C. A person who is not ill at that moment in time

2. How is an organ in the body best described?

£ A. A group of tissues performing a specific function
£ B. A part of a cell which performs a specific function
£ C. A group of cells with similar structure or function

3. A healthy diet contains…

£ A. No fatty foods
£ B. Large amounts of vitamins and minerals
£ C. A balance of different foods, with the right amount of energy

4. What is the function of white blood cells?

£ A. Clotting
£ B. Antibody production
£ C. Oxygen transport
5. Which statement best describes a specialised cell?
£ A. Specialised cells have the same function
£ B. Specialised cells have a specific function related to their structure
£ C. Specialised cells all have different numbers of cell parts

6. What does a eukaryote cell have which a prokaryote cell does not?
£ A. Plasmids
£ B. Cell wall
£ C. Nucleus

7. Which is the best description of a cell?

£ A. Everything on earth is made of cells
£ B. All living things are made of cells
£ C. Cells are tiny organisms that can cause disease e.g. bacteria

8. Which is the correct order from smallest to largest?

£ A. Red blood cell < cardiovascular system < blood vessel < blood < animal
£ B. Animal < Cardiovascular system < blood vessel < blood < red blood cell
£ C. Red blood cell < blood < blood vessel < cardiovascular system < Animal

9. Which structure is found in plant, bacterial, and fungal cells, but is made of different substances in
each?
£ A. Cell membrane
£ B. Cell Wall
£ C. Nucleus

10. Which of these structures is found in a prokaryotic cell?

£ A. Flagella
£ B. Vacuole
£ C. Chloroplast
 If you answered A, you identified a person with who is most likely fit and has a good
immune system.
C If you answered B, you have identified someone who is physically fit, explain the
difference between health and physical fitness.
If you answered C you correctly identified a healthy person.

If you answered A, you correctly identified the definition of an organ.

If you answered B, you identified the definition of an organelle.
A If you answered C, you identified the definition of a tissue, which makes up an organ.
Draw a flow chart to show the hierarchy of organisation, going from cell to organism.

If you answered A you were probably thinking that too much fat in your diet can be bad for
you. However, fat is important for a balanced diet, make a pie chart of the nutrients
C required for a healthy diet. If you answered B, you understand the importance of vitamins
and mineral, but our bodies cannot store them for long so we don’t need too much. If you
answered C, you correctly identified that a variety of different foods is vital to be healthy.

If you answered A, you picked the function of platelets. If you picked B you answered
correctly, identifying that white blood cells are responsible for making antibodies and
B fighting infection. If you picked C you picked the function of red blood cells. Draw a
diagram of each of the three cells and describe how they are adapted for their functions.

If you answered A or C, draw a labelled diagram of a nerve, muscle and sperm cell,
B and describe how their structures relate to their functions.

If you answered A, you picked an organelle which is only found in prokaryotes. If you
answered B, you picked an organelle which is only found in plant cells and prokaryotes.
C
Draw a diagram of an animal, plant and bacterial cell; using different colours, highlight the
organelles which are found in all types of cells, only prokaryotes and only eukaryotes.

If you answered A, you may have been thinking of atoms, which make up all
B matter including cells. If you answered C, you picked out the definition for
pathogens, which you will learn more about in this topic. Go to this website to
get an idea of the difference in size of atoms and cells and work out the
difference in size of a bacterial cell and a human cell in orders of magnitude.

If you answered A or B, draw a flowchart to show the hierarchy of organisation,

C from specialised cell to organism. Then pick three organ systems and add the
specialised cells, tissues and organs found in each of these to your flowchart.

If you answered A, you may have gotten cell walls and membranes confused. If
you answered C, remember that only eukaryotic cells have nuclei. Draw a
B diagram of a bacteria, plant and fungal cell, and annotate the cell wall to state
what substance each is made of.

If you answered B or C, you identified the organelles which are only found in
A plant cells. Draw a diagram of a bacterial cell; highlight the organelles which are
not found in eukaryotic cells and annotate your diagram to give their functions.
Knowledge Organiser
 Lesson 1 – Health and Diseases

Your health is a state of physical and mental well-being.

It is not just an absence of disease.

Many factors can affect our health. Our physical

wellbeing can be affected by our environment, pathogens
(microorganism which cause disease), or even our
genetics. Some physical health problems may short lived
(acute) or last a very long time (chronic).

Our mental wellbeing is often less obvious, but no less

important. It can also be affected by the environment and
our genetics. Like physical wellbeing, mental health issues
can be acute or chronic.

Things which affect our health, or make us

sick, can be split into two categories;
communicable and noncommunicable.

Communicable diseases can be passed from

person to person, normally by a pathogen such
as a bacteria or virus.

Non-communicable diseases cannot be passed

from person to person, these are generally
longer lasting and caused by lifestyle or the
environment.

Scientists find out what factors can cause a disease by looking for correlations between the disease and other
factors. They then conduct research to see whether there is a biological mechanism, or cause, which links the
factor to the disease.

Correlation – When data suggests that there is a link between two variables. For example, as exposure to UV light
increases the incidents of skin cancer also increases.

Causation – The scientific reason behind why something makes something else happen. For example, UV light
damages skin cells and may cause DNA to mutate, this results in skin cancer as the skin cells begin to replicate out
of control.

Watch this video for more information to explain health, and the difference between communicable and
non-communicable disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thAyrNpD77A
For more examples of causation and correlation, try this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxSUqr3ouYA
 1. What is the correct definition of health?
£ A. The absence of disease.
£ B. The ability to complete everyday tasks.
£ C. The state of physical and mental wellbeing.

2. Which of the following diseases is not communicable?

£ A. Measles
£ B. Cancer
£ C. HIV

3. What does the graph on the right show?

£ A. Correlation
£ B. Causation
£ C. No link

If you answered C, you correctly identified that health is the state of physical and mental well being. If
you answered A, you have forgotten that health is not only your physical wellbeing but is also affected
by mental wellbeing. If you answered B, you have highlighted a result of poor health, but not all
diseases affect our ability to complete everyday tasks.
Make a list of as many diseases or health problems that you can think of, categorise them into physical
and mental health issues. You could then split them into communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
Draw a scatter graph to test the hypothesis that: your tooth health is affected by your
annual income.

1. Describe the trend shown by your graph.

2. Explain the results using your knowledge of how health and lifestyle interact.

3. Suggest what scientists could do to determine whether the relationship is causal?

 Lesson 2 – Pathogens and Disease

Pathogens are microorganisms which cause disease, the four main types of
pathogen are: bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Our bodies are full of
microorganisms, but not all of these are pathogens, some are helpful and can
even protect us from pathogenic microorganisms.

There are two main ways that pathogens can cause disease:
• Bacteria produce toxins that can kill the host cell or prevent it from
functioning properly.
• Viruses replicate inside the cell until they burst out, destroying the cell.

All a pathogen can only survive for a short time without a

host. Once the pathogen sets itself up in a host’s body, and if
it manages to avoid the body’s immune responses, it uses
the body’s resources to replicate before exiting and
spreading to a new host.

Pathogens can be transmitted a few ways depending on the

type. They can be spread through skin contact, bodily fluids,
airborne particles, in food or water and by a vector such as a
mosquito.

To find out more about pathogens and how they can be spread, go to this BBC Bitesize page:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxr7ng8

Or you could watch these videos: https://www.youtube.com/WsZS4RCWpcE https://youtu.be/vO51sFre6fg

1. What is a pathogen?
£ A. A microorganism that is transferred from person to person.
£ B. A microorganism that causes disease.
£ C. A disease that is caused by a bacterium or a virus.

2. How do bacteria cause disease?

£ A. They replicate inside cells and burst out, destroying the cell.
£ B. They give you a fever and make you vomit.
£ C. They release toxins which affect how cells function.

3. What are the four main types of pathogen?

£ A. Bacteria, vector, virus and protozoa
£ B. Bacteria, virus, fungi and malaria
£ C. Bacteria, virus, protozoa and fungi

If you answered B, you correctly identified that a pathogen is a microorganism which causes disease. If
you answered A, you are partially correct, as pathogens can be spread from person to person. But so
can microorganisms which are not harmful. If you answered C, you may have confused pathogen and
disease, viruses and bacterium are types of pathogen, they do not cause pathogens.
Find out what pathogens cause the following diseases, and how they are spread; salmonella, measles,
athlete’s foot, gonorrhoea, smallpox, influenza, and HIV.
Answer the following exam style questions:

1. Describe how a virus infects it’s host and causes disease. [3 marks]

2. Using your knowledge of ways that diseases can be spread, describe how a person can
reduce their risk of contracting salmonella. [2 marks]

3. Describe the ways in which pathogens can be transmitted. Give examples in your
answer. [6 marks]
 Lesson 3 – Growing Bacteria in the
Lab (Triple only)

Bacteria multiply by simple cell division (binary fission) as often as

once every 20 mins if they have enough nutrients and a suitable
environment (e.g. temperature).
If we grow bacteria in a lab we can use agar gel or nutrient broth
to provide the nutrients needed. If the sample is uncontaminated
we can use it to investigate the action of disinfectants and
antibiotics.

Condition What is required for bacteria growth

Temperature 37°C – BUT in a school lab we never use this, as it may allow harmful pathogens
to grow. Therefore, we use 25°C.
Food Agar gel – a nutrient rich gel containing glucose for respiration and nitrogen so
the bacteria can make its own proteins and DNA
Oxygen Make sure oxygen is able to diffuse into the petri dish to allow the bacteria to
aerobically respire

When using bacteria in the lab we use

aseptic technique, this prevents the
culture we are growing from becoming
contaminated and stops harmful bacteria
growing.

Contamination is when the agar plate, or

nutrient broth, is exposed to bacteria
which we are not trying to grow. To
prevent this you must; sterilise all
equipment, cover the petri dish with a lid
and tape it down before incubating.

Harmful bacteria, or pathogenic bacteria,

can form in anaerobic conditions (without
oxygen) or if the culture is incubated
close to body temperature. To prevent
this, we always ensure that the lid is not
taped all the way around to allow oxygen
to reach the bacteria. We also incubate
the culture at 25oC, to prevent the growth
of dangerous bacteria.

For a recap of culturing bacteria, and aseptic technique, watch this video: https://youtu.be/Uf8a7cCVjM4

For a more in-depth step by step guide to preparing agar plates and bacterial cultures:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z2kvw6f/revision/7
1. Why do we need to allow oxygen into the petry dish?
£ A. Bacteria cannot undergo binary fission anaerobically.
£ B. Bacteria are unable to respire anaerobically.
£ C. If the culture grows without oxygen, dangerous bacteria could form.

2. How do you sterilise an inoculating loop?

£ A. Pass it through a flame.
£ B. Dip it in disinfectant between uses.
£ C. Storing it at 25 oC.

3. What do agar jelly and nutrient broth provide to allow bacteria to grow?
£ A. Carbohydrates and oxygen
£ B. Oxygen and nitrogen
£ C. Carbohydrates and nitrogen

If you answered A or B, you may have forgotten that bacteria are able to survive in anaerobic
conditions. We make sure that oxygen can reach the culture to prevent harmful bacteria forming,
anaerobic conditions can make this happen. Make a list of all of the precautions we need to take when
preparing bacterial cultures in a school setting, give the reasons why each of the precautions are put in
place, stating what they are trying to prevent.
1. Draw a comic strip, or flow chart, detailing all the steps required to culture an agar plate using
aseptic technique.

2. Aseptic technique is used to prepare an uncontaminated colony of E. coli bacteria on an agar

plate.
Describe and explain how to ensure that only E. coli bacteria are present on the agar plate.
[6 marks]
 Lesson 4 – Preventing Bacteria
from Growing (Triple only)

There are 3 main ways that we can prevent the growth of bacteria, which
one we use depends on where we are using it.

• Disinfectant is used to prevent the growth of bacteria on surfaces.

• Antiseptic is used to prevent the growth of bacteria on skin and
other living tissues.
• Antibiotics are used to prevent the growth of, or kill, bacteria inside
the body.

You need to be able to explain how to conduct an experiment to investigate the effect of different disinfectants
on the growth of bacteria. To do this you would follow the steps below and compare the zones of clearance (or
inhibition zones) for each disinfectant. The zones of clearance will normally be circular, so we can either
measure and compare the diameter of each zone; or we can use the diameter to find the area of each zone. This
is done by using the formula for the area of a circle; 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 ! .

To see how this investigation is completed, watch this video: https://youtu.be/sI2Dp5fNdDY

This video gives a brief overview of how we can calculate the size of colonies of bacteria, and gives you a chance
to practice: https://youtu.be/R6Uv__WJlmM
 1. What type of chemical should a surgeon use during an operation to prevent infection?
£ A. Disinfectant.
£ B. Antibiotics.
£ C. Antiseptic.

2. What formula do you use to find the area of a zone of clearance?

£ A. 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 !
£ B. 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑑!
£ C. 𝐴 = "! 𝑟 !

3. Which disinfectant is the most effective?

£ A. Disinfectant 1
£ B. Disinfectant 2
£ C. Disinfectant 3

All 3 of these may be used by doctors to prevent infection, but how they are used is very different. If you
answered A, you may have though that disinfectant could be used on surgical tools during the surgery. However,
all the surgical tools would have been sterilised using disinfectant before the surgery. If you answered B, you
may have thought that antibiotics could be used to prevent the growth of bacteria within the person, but doctors
try not to prescribe antibiotics unless somebody is already infected to stop the development of resistant bacteria.
To prevent infection, doctors use antiseptics, like iodine, during surgery as this is safe to use on living tissue,
and so can be applied directly to the patient.

If you didn’t answer C, explain the difference between disinfectant, antiseptic and antibiotics, giving examples of
when they might be used.
Look at the data below from a student’s practical investigating different leaning fluids.

Filter paper disc Diameter of circle with Radius of circle (cm) Area around disc with
no bacteria growing no growth (cm2)
(cm)
Water 0
Cleaning liquid A 3.7
Cleaning liquid B 4.1

a) Complete the table. Give all answers to 2 sig. fig.

b) Why did the student run an experiment with water?

c) Which was the best cleaner? (assume cost and volume are equal)

d) Why did the student incubate the petri dish for 48hours at 25oC?

e) Why did the student destroy the agar jelly and disinfect the petri dishes after the practical was
complete?

f) At 25oC bacteria divide every 20 mins. If there 1 bacterium was transferred to the petri dish at the
start how many bacteria will be on the plate after the 48hours? Give your answer in standard form.
 Lesson 5 – Preventing Infections

Ignaz Semmelweis was a doctor in mid-18th century. At this

time many women died after childbirth due to something
known as childbed fever. The mortality rate was much higher
when babies were delivered by doctors than by midwives,
Semmelweis noticed that many doctors went straight from
dissecting dead bodies to delivering a baby. Semmelweis
insisted that all doctors wash their hands before delivering
babies, this resulted in the mortality rate dropping
significantly.

An easy way to prevent spread of disease is through good

hygiene; handwashing, coughing or sneezing into tissues,
keeping raw meat separate from uncooked food, or
quarantining those who have been infected prevents the
spread.

Malaria is a disease caused by a protozoan, a type of single-

celled organism. The malaria parasite is spread from person
to person by mosquitoes. These insects feed on blood and the
malaria parasite is passed on when the mosquito takes a
meal. Organisms that spread disease, rather than causing it
themselves, are called vectors. The mosquito is the vector for
malaria.

It is important to understand the life cycle of a pathogen and

the way in which vectors spread the pathogen. This
knowledge gives scientists ideas about how the spread of a
disease might be controlled. In principal, if the life cycle of a
pathogen can be broken, eventually all the individuals of that
pathogen will die out, leaving a disease-free population.

Destroying these vectors can prevent the spread of disease.

Ways to control mosquito populations include mosquito nets,
release of sterile males, and removal of standing/still water
which is where young mosquitoes grow. The parasite itself
can be killed by giving infected people drugs such as Lariam.

Here are three videos that cover the prevention of infections:

More about the malaria and it’s prevention - https://youtu.be/f5XKob0lc2A
To learn about the actions taken by a village during an ebola outbreak - https://youtu.be/XCrOde-JYs0
General information about preventing the spread of disease - https://youtu.be/9hY02KbBdK4
 1. How can we prevent malaria?
£ A. Removing dirty water that carries the pathogen.
£ B. Widespread vaccination.
£ C. Destroying the vector that carries the pathogen.

2. Which of these diseases can be spread by not washing hands properly?

£ A. Malaria
£ B. Childbed fever
£ C. HIV

3. Which of these can cause the spread of salmonella?

£ A. Not sneezing into your hand or a tissue
£ B. Not using barrier contraception
£ C. Storing cooked foods near raw foods.

If you chose A, you were partially correct, by removing standing water you could disrupt the life cycle of the
mosquito which acts as a vector for malaria. But the pathogen is not carried by the water itself. If you chose B,
you would be correct for diseases such as measles or meningitis, but there is currently no vaccine for malaria.

Someone you know is travelling to an area which has a high risk of malaria infection, suggest what they should
do to lower their chances of getting malaria.
1. What type of pathogen causes malaria?

2. How does the pathogen get inside a healthy person?

3. Why is it wrong to say that mosquitoes cause malaria?

4. Jane says that malaria can be killed using antibiotics. Explain why she is wrong.

5. Give one other way in which a country could prevent the spread of malaria other than providing Lariam
or netting.

6. Suggest why malaria does not exist in the UK?

7. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of their host by sucking blood into their body. Why then do misquotes not
spread HIV/AIDS?
 Lesson 6 – Viral and Bacterial
Diseases

The two main types of pathogens that cause disease are

bacteria and viruses. Bacterial pathogens are
prokaryotic cells that cause disease by releasing toxins
that affect the function of the host’s cells. Once inside
our body bacteria cells divide by binary fission.

Viruses are about 100 times smaller than bacteria and so

are able to invade cells, they then reproduce inside the
cell by using the cells organelles. Viruses are not alive as
they are unable to replicate without a host, they will
continue to use the cell to replicate until the cell
bursts.

Type of Symptoms Transmission Treatment and prevention

pathogen
Measles Fever and a red skin rash Very infectious, No treatment
Virus Can cause blindness, droplet Vaccination and isolation of
brain damage and death transmission infected
HIV/AIDs Only mild flu like Sexual contact No cure or vaccine
symptoms to begin with and exchange of Use of antiretroviral drugs can
Virus
Severely impacts body fluids prevent the development of AIDs
immune system
Tobacco Mosaic patterned Contact between No treatment
mosaic virus discoloration on leaves diseased and Farmers grow resistant strains,
Virus
Stunted growth healthy plants use good field hygiene and pest
control
Salmonella Abdominal cramps, Contaminated No antibiotics given as only lasts a
food vomiting and diarrhoea food due to few days
Bacteria
poisoning undercooking or More vulnerable individuals may
poor hygiene be treated for dehydration
Gonorrhoea Thick yellow discharge, Sexual contact Antibiotics
Bacteria
pain on urination

Grown galls Masses of Contact, Masses can be removed and

in plants Bacteria undifferentiated cells movement of wound sealed. If plant does not
form infected soil recover, remove and destroy it

To read about viral and bacterial diseases in more detail: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxr7ng8/revision/1

Watch these videos for more information on viruses - https://youtu.be/m0o8mhu9Arg and bacteria -
https://youtu.be/Z5c8lVXDiqc
 1. Which of these is not a feature of viruses?
£ A. 2 orders of magnitude smaller than bacteria.
£ B. Release toxins which affect a cells function.
£ C. Cannot replicate outside if a host.

2. Which of these diseases causes a yellow discharge and pain when urinating?
£ A. Salmonella
£ B. Gonorrhoea
£ C. HIV

3. What drugs can be used to prevent the spread of HIV?

£ A. Antibiotics
£ B. Antiretrovirals
£ C. Antihistamines

If you answered B, you were correct in identifying that viruses do not release toxins, they invade cells and
replicate until they burst out. They do this because they are up to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than bacterial
cells and use the host cell’s organelles to replicate themselves. If you answered A or C, make a venn diagram to
compare viruses and bacteria, be sure to include both differences and similarities.
There is no cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS. Today the use of antiretroviral drugs can prevent the development
of AIDS so HIV positive people can have an almost normal life expectancy. Look at the graph below, this patient
did not receive any treatment for their disease.

in blood
HIV particles per ml of plasma
Number of white blood cells
(cells/mm3)

Use the graph and your own knowledge to answer the following questions:

1. Is HIV a bacterium, virus, protist or fungus?

2. Approximately how many years after infection do symptoms of AIDS start to show?

3. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

4. Why do some people who are infected with HIV not realise they are infected?

5. Why do patients infected with HIV die of other infections and cancers?

6. Compare and contrast the HIV virus to the measles virus.

 Lesson 7 – Fungal and Protist
Diseases

Fungal diseases

Fungi are living organisms. They are Eukaryotic

organisms and include: mushrooms, toadstools,
moulds and yeast. They produce spores (for
reproduction) and digest organic matter. They do
not photosynthesise so in some ways are more
closely linked to animals than plants.

Rose black spot is a fungal disease where purple

or black spots develop on leaves, which often turn
yellow and drop early. It affects the growth of the
plant as photosynthesis is reduced. It is spread in
the environment by water or wind. Rose black spot
can be treated by using fungicides and/or
removing and destroying the affected leaves.

Protist diseases

Protists are a group of microorganisms that have features that belong to animals, plants and fungi. Some are
like animals, others more like plants and some, called moulds are closest to fungi. They are all eukaryotic,
which means they have a nucleus. Protists are generally unicellular eukaryotic organisms, protists that cause
disease are often spread by vectors e.g. tsetse fly, mosquitoes. Common protist diseases are; malaria,
sleeping sickness, amoebic dysentery.

Malaria is an example of a disease caused by a protist. The parasite spends some of its time living inside
mosquitoes and the rest inside humans. The mosquito spread the protists from one human to another. They
are said to be the vector of transmission for the disease. When in the body the protist can damage the liver
and the red blood cells. Malaria is widespread in tropical areas and kills 660,000 people per year. Treatment
for malaria involves taking a combination of drugs and is becoming less effective. The best strategies involve
preventing the spread by targeting the mosquito vectors.

To learn more about fungal and protist diseases, watch this video: https://youtu.be/2Fh-2wpvhHQ

There is more information on bitesize: Fungi - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxr7ng8/revision/5

Protists - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxr7ng8/revision/4
 1. How can rose black spot be treated?
£ A. Insecticides
£ B. Antiprotozoals
£ C. Fungicides

2. What kind of cell are protists?

£ A. Eukaryote
£ B. Prokaryote
£ C. Fungal

3. How are most protist diseases spread most often?

£ A. Dirty water
£ B. Droplet transmission
£ C. By vectors

If you answered C, you would be correct in identifying fungicides as a potential treatment for rose black spot. If
you answered A or B, these would not be suitable for treating rose black spot as it is a fungal infection. Write a
paragraph explaining how a rose farmer could treat a plant with rose black spot, and prevent it from spreading.
1. a) Describe three ways in which fungal diseases such as black spot or stem rust can be spread from plant
to plant. [3 marks]

b) Explain why roses affected by rose black spot produce fewer, smaller flowers than healthy plants.
[3 marks]

2. a) Describe how malaria is passed from one person to another. [2 marks]

b) Insecticide-treated mosquito nets help prevent the spread of malaria in two ways. Explain how.
[2 marks]

3. For travelers from the UK going to an area with malaria, doctors suggest the ABCD approach. This stands
for Awareness, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis (antimalarial medicines), and Diagnosis. Explain how
each of these would reduce the chance of becoming seriously ill with malaria. [6 marks]
 Lesson 8 – Human Defence
Responses

Human defences

Humans have two types of defence system to protect from

pathogens.

Non-specific defence systems: prevent pathogens entering the

body.
• Eyes: Tears contain lysozymes which kill bacteria
• Skin: Provides a protective barrier that prevents
pathogens entering the body
• Respiratory tract: Contains ciliated epithelial cells which
move mucus up to the nose. The mucus traps pathogens.
• Stomach: Contains acid which destroys pathogens that
are eaten.
Specific defence systems: destroys pathogens which make it past
the non-specific defence system. This is also known as the
immune system and is made up of white blood cells.
White blood cells can protect against pathogens in 3 ways.

• Phagocytosis – White blood cells called phagocytes

engulf and destroy pathogens using enzymes.
• Antibody production – White blood cells called
lymphocytes produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins
which attach to pathogens, sticking them together,
making them easier for pathogens to engulf and destroy.
• Antitoxin production – Lymphocytes also produce
proteins called antitoxins, these neutralize the toxins
produced by bacterial cells.

We say that white blood cells are specific because the antibodies
and antitoxins produced will only work on specific types of
pathogen. Pathogens have proteins on their surface called
antigens, these are unique to each pathogen and help the white
blood cells recognize them. The body needs to produce specific
white blood cells for each type of pathogen.
When the body has made antibodies for a specific pathogen
once, the body will be able to produce the specific type of white
blood cell again very quickly. This is what enables us to become
immune to diseases.

To learn more about non-specific defence systems: https://youtu.be/5X9MklLVhlw

For more about the immune system, and specific responses: https://youtu.be/HSrrPdJDqxM

There is more information on bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zxr7ng8/revision/8

 1. What are lysozymes in tears an example of?
£ A. Phagocytes
£ B. Specific defence
£ C. Non-specific defence

2. How do phagocytes protect the body from infection?

£ A. Produce antibodies
£ B. Engulf and destroy pathogens
£ C. Produce antitoxins

3. How do white blood cells recognise pathogens?

£ A. Antibodies of the cell surface
£ B. Antigens on the cell surface
£ C. Antitoxins on the cell surface

If you answered A or B, you may have recognised two parts of the human defence systems. If you answered C,
you are correct as lysozymes are an example of non-specific defence, as they can destroy most types of
bacteria. List the different parts of the non-specific defence system and explain how they protect the body.
 Lesson 9 – Plant Diseases
(Triple only)

Plant
diseases
Communicable Non-Communicable

Just like animals, plants can get both communicable

and non-communicable diseases. Caused by Caused by
Caused by
mineral
insects pathogens
deficiencies

Communicable diseases in plants can be caused by

pathogens (viruses, bacteria and fungi) or by pests Viral Bacterial Fungi Nitrates Magnesium
(e.g. aphids or caterpillars). Farmers can prevent the
spread of these diseases through pest control, and
e.g. Crown
early diagnosis of infections. To catch diseases early e.g. TMV
galls
e.g. Rose
Black spot
you would need to look out for these main symptoms:
• Stunted growth
• Spots on leaves
• Areas of decay
• Growths
• Malformed leaves or stems
• Discolouration
• The presence of pests

It can be difficult to diagnose diseases in plants as

many diseases produce the same symptoms. To
diagnose a plant, you may need to consult a gardening
manual or website. Farmers or horticulturalists may
use more scientific methods, sending samples to a lab
or using test kits which contain monoclonal
antibodies.

The most common non-communicable diseases in

plants are caused by mineral deficiencies, particularly
nitrates and magnesium. Nitrate deficiency causes
stunted growth in plants, as nitrates are needed for
protein synthesis, and without proteins the plant will
not be able to grow. Magnesium deficiency is
characterized by discolouration of leaves (chlorosis),
as magnesium is needed to make chlorophyll. To
prevent these deficiencies, plants must be given
nutrient rich soil through the application of fertilisers.

Watch these videos to learn more about plant diseases and mineral deficiencies: https://youtu.be/05ITJlgPcR0
https://youtu.be/oVg6ycY3eXQ
For more examples of plant diseases and their diagnosis: https://www.growveg.co.uk/plant-diseases/uk-and-
europe/
 1. Why does a nitrate deficiency cause stunted growth?
£ A. Reduces photosynthesis
£ B. Reduces protein synthesis
£ C. Reduces DNA synthesis

2. What is chlorosis?
£ A. Leaf discolouration
£ B. A plant pest
£ C. Curling of leaves

3. What plant disease causes purple or black discolouration on leaves?

£ A. Tobacco Mosaic Virus
£ B. Rose Black Spot
£ C. Aphid infestation

If you answered A, you may have been thinking of the result of a magnesium deficiency. If you answered C, you
would be correct that this would cause stunted growth, it is not a result of a nitrate deficiency.
Explain why a lack of nitrates results in stunted growth.
 Lesson 10 – Plant Defence
responses (Triple only)

Plants defend themselves from disease and

predators in three ways:

• Physical – provides a barrier to

pathogens
o Cellulose cell walls
o Tough waxy cuticles
o Layers of dead cells around stem
(bark)
• Chemical – some plants produce
chemicals which either deter herbivores
or kill pathogens
o Antibacterial chemicals
o Poisons
• Mechanical –
o Thorns and hairs deter animals
o Leaves which droop or curl when
touched
o Mimicry to trick animals

Physical

Chemical
Mechanical

Watch these videos to find out about more ways that plants defend themselves: https://youtu.be/Hja0SLs2kus
https://youtu.be/T4FlGsp9uFI
 1. What type of defence are leaves that droop when touched?
£ A. Chemical
£ B. Physical
£ C. Mechanical

2. What type of defence are thorns?

£ A. Chemical
£ B. Physical
£ C. Mechanical

3. What type of defence do foxgloves use?

£ A. Chemical
£ B. Physical
£ C. Mechanical

Leaves drooping when touched are a form of mechanical defence, this can dislodge insects from the leaves or
scare off animals which might want to eat the plant. So the correct answer is C, if you answered A or B sort the
examples below into the correct categories.
Mastery Test
Section A – Multiple Choice

1. Bacteria are different to viruses because (1 mark)

a. Bacteria are microorganisms and viruses are not.
b. Bacteria have a nucleus and viruses do not.
c. Bacteria produce toxins and viruses live inside cells.
d. Bacteria make people ill and viruses do not.

2. A communicable disease is a disease that: (1 mark)

a. Does not spread between organisms.
b. Spreads between non-living things.
c. Is infectious and spreads between organisms.
d. One that cannot be treated.

3. Which statement is true. (1 mark)

a. HIV is a bacterial infection.
b. HIV causes a rash over the body.
c. HIV can be treated with antibiotics.
d. HIV is caused by a virus.

4. Which statement is true? (1 mark)

a. Salmonella is a viral infection.
b. Salmonella is a bacterial infection.
c. Salmonella causes flu like symptoms.
d. Salmonella is a non-communicable disease.

5. Which statement is true? (1 mark)

a. Measles is a viral diseases
b. Measles is caused by a bacteria
c. Measles is a fungal diseases

6. Which of the following is a fungal disease (1 mark)

a. Salmonella
b. Rose Black Spot
c. Measles

7. The 4 aspects of the first line of defence are: (1 mark)

a. Skin, mouth, nose and tongue
b. Skin, nose, hair and stomach.
c. Skin, nose, lungs and blood.
d. Skin, nose, Trachea and Stomach.

8. White blood cells protect the body by: (1 mark)

a. Producing antibodies and antitoxins.
b. Producing antibodies, antitoxins and engulfing pathogens.
c. By carrying oxygen around the body.
d. By eating pathogens.

9. Phagocytosis is: (1 mark)

a. When a white blood cell eats a pathogen
b. When a pathogen engulfs and ingests a white blood cell
c. When a white blood cell engulfs and ingests a pathogen

10. Plant diseases can be detected by: (1 mark)

a. Stunted growth, discolouration and the presence of pests.
b. By conducting drugs testing.
c. Bad smell, growths and decay.
 11. Some plant defence mechanisms include: (1 mark)
a. Cellulose cell wall and green pigmentation.
b. Cellulose cell wall, thorns, bark on trees and leaves that drop when touched.
c. Flowers and nectar.
d. Roots and a stem.

12. The heart drug digitalis comes from: (1 mark)

a. A plant
b. An animal
c. A bacterium

Section 2 – Long answer questions