Vaccinations: Treating, Curing, and Preventing Disease - AQA GCSE Biology
Overview
- Vaccinations provide protection against specific diseases.
- Effectiveness depends on the proportion of people vaccinated.
- Part of the Biology (Single Science) curriculum under the topic "Infection and Response."
Key Concepts
Vaccinations
- Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause diseases.
- Vaccines: Substances containing disabled antigens of a particular disease, typically administered via injection.
- Stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing immunity.
- Antigens: Proteins on the surface of substances (often pathogens) that trigger an immune response.
- White Blood Cells: Cells that defend against infection.
- Produce complementary antibodies that attach to antigens.
- Phagocytosis: Process where white blood cells engulf and digest a pathogen.
Immune Response
- Primary Infection:
- The first time an organism becomes infected by a particular pathogen.
- Antibodies slowly increase, peak around ten days, then decrease.
- Secondary Exposure:
- Leads to a rapid production of antibodies by white blood cells, preventing infection.
Additional Topics
- Herd Immunity
- Antibiotics and Painkillers
- Antibiotic Resistance
- Bacterial Growth in Cultures
- Bacterial Calculations
- Effects of Antiseptics on Bacteria
- The Effect of Antibiotics and Antiseptics
- Discovery of New Drugs
- Development and Testing of New Drugs
Related Resources
Supportive Links
Additional Learning Tools
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