1. Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses
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Structure: Bacteria are single-celled organisms that have a robust cell structure, including a cell wall, cellular membrane, and genetic material (DNA) contained within a nucleus-like region called the nucleoid. In contrast, viruses are much smaller and consist of a nucleic acid core (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. They do not have a cellular structure and cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own.
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Reproduction: Bacteria can reproduce independently through binary fission, while viruses must invade a host cell to replicate, hijacking the host's cellular machinery.
2. Differences Between Fungi and Parasites
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Nature: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can exist as single-celled (yeasts) or multicellular (molds and mushrooms). They are primarily decomposers and play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter. Parasites, on the other hand, can be eukaryotic (like worms) or prokaryotic (like certain bacteria) that live on or inside another organism (the host) and derive nutrients at the host's expense.
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Life Cycle: Fungi can reproduce both sexually and asexually and are usually saprophytic (feeding on decaying matter), whereas parasites depend on a host for survival and reproduction, exploiting the host's resources.
3. Two Ways Pathogens Can Spread
- Direct Contact: Pathogens can spread through physical contact, such as touching an infected person or surface.
- Airborne Transmission: They can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
4. One Way People Can Get a Noninfectious Disease
One way to develop a noninfectious disease, such as allergies, is through genetic predisposition; individuals may inherit a tendency to develop allergies based on their family history.
Scenarios Data Tables
(Note: Fill in the blanks based on your virtual activity results.)
Data Table 1: Flu
Time | Number of People with the Flu ---- | ------------------------------- 8 am | 10 am | 12 pm | 2 pm |
Data Table 2: Food Poisoning
Time | Number of People with Food Poisoning ---- | ------------------------------------ 8 am | 10 am | 12 pm | 2 pm |
Data Table 3: Asthma
Time | Number of People with Asthma ---- | ------------------------------ 8 am | 10 am | 12 pm | 2 pm |
Conclusion Questions and Answers
1a. How many people had the flu at 8 am?
- a. [Fill in based on Table 1]
1b. How many people had the flu at 2 pm?
- b. [Fill in based on Table 1]
2a. How many people had food poisoning at 8 am?
- a. [Fill in based on Table 2]
2b. How many people had food poisoning at 2 pm?
- b. [Fill in based on Table 2]
3a. How many people had asthma at 8 am?
- a. [Fill in based on Table 3]
3b. How many people had asthma at 2 pm?
- b. [Fill in based on Table 3]
- Comparison of Spread: The spread of the flu and food poisoning can occur through direct contact or contaminated food, indicating they are infectious diseases. In contrast, the spread of asthma is not infectious and is often triggered by environmental factors rather than pathogens.
5a. According to your data, which two diseases are infectious?
- a. Flu and food poisoning.
5b. Explain why.
- b. They spread through pathogens—flu via viruses and food poisoning via bacteria or viruses.
- What type of nonliving pathogen must invade cells to cause the flu?
- A virus.
- According to this information, what type of pathogen causes food poisoning?
- Bacteria (specifically, bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli).
- Describe how the immune system responds when a pathogen enters the body.
- The immune system recognizes invaders through antigens, activates immune cells (like T cells and B cells), releases antibodies to neutralize pathogens, and coordinates an inflammatory response to address the infection.
- a. Do you agree or disagree with the claim that all bacteria are harmful?
- a. Disagree.
- b. Explain why you agree or disagree.
- b. Many bacteria are beneficial, playing crucial roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Not all bacteria cause disease.
- Record the letter answer:
- D. Strep throat. (This disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.)
Feel free to fill in the data tables with the information obtained from the virtual activity, and adjust any responses as necessary based on your specific findings.