Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology Study Guide
NCES 8.L.1 Understand the structure and hazards caused by agents of disease that affect living
organisms.
8.L.1.1 Summarize the basic characteristics of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites relating to the spread,
treatment and prevention of disease.
8.L.1.2 Explain the difference between epidemic and pandemic as it relates to the spread, treatment and
prevention of disease.
Vocabulary
Infectious Disease
Non-infectious Disease
Pathogen
Eukaryote
Prokaryote
Virus
Bacteria
Fungi
Protist
Parasite
Binary fission
Cocci/Coccus
Bacilli/Bacillus
Spirilli/Spirillum
Inhalation
Ingestion
Absorption
Injection
Epidemic
Pandemic
Endemic
Antibiotic
Vaccine/Vaccination
Vector
Carrier
1. Describe the six types of known infectious agents.
2. Describe the primary ways in which a person can acquire an infectious agent.
3. Explain the difference between emerging diseases and endemic diseases.
4. What are the two basic components of a virus?
5. Explain how a virus is able to multiply and reproduce within an organism.
6. Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral infections?
7. What is generally used to prevent viral diseases?
8. What are the three basic forms of bacteria?
9. Explain how bacteria reproduce through the process of binary fission.
10. Identify the type of medication that can be used to treat bacterial infections and explain why it works.
11. What is the difference between a vector and a carrier?
12. What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?
NCES 8.L.2 Understand how biotechnology is used to affect living organisms.
8.L.2.1 Summarize aspects of biotechnology including:
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Specific genetic information available
Careers
Economic benefits to North Carolina
Ethical issues
Implications for agriculture
Vocabulary
Biotechnology
Ethics
Genetics
Genetic engineering
Fermentation
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2.
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Cloning
Transgenic
Biofuel
Bioremediation
What is the definition of biotechnology?
Why do some aspects of biotechnology raise ethical questions?
What are some careers associated with biotechnology?
How can agricultural biotechnology aid in world food shortages?
In what ways can biotechnology help clean up the environment?