Class 10 Biology Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus Immunity and Healthcare Questions and Answers

A thorough understanding of SCERT Kerala Syllabus 10th Standard Biology Notes Pdf and Class 10 Biology Chapter 5 Immunity and Healthcare Notes Questions and Answers English Medium can improve academic performance.

SSLC Biology Chapter 5 Notes Questions and Answers Pdf Immunity and Healthcare

SCERT Class 10 Biology Chapter 5 Immunity and Healthcare Notes Pdf

SSLC Biology Chapter 5 Questions and Answers – Let Us Assess

Question 1.
From the sequence of activities related to phagocytosis, select the correct answer.
a) Expulsion of waste materials
b) Engulfment of pathogens in phagosome
c) Enzymes destroy the pathogen
d) Phagocyte approaches the pathogen
e) Phagolysosome is formed
i) d, c, e, b, a
ii) d, b, e, c, a
iii) b, c, e, a, d
iv) b, e, c, a, d
Answer:
ii) d, b, e, c, a

Question 2.
Find out those related to B lymphocytes from the following and choose the correct option.
a) Production of antibodies
b) Destruction of cancer cells
c) Maturation in the thymus gland
d) Formation in the bone marrow
i) a, b and d are correct
ii) a, c and d are correct
iii) b and c are correct
iv) a and d are correct
Answer:
iv) a and d are correct

Question 3.
Which of the following is the correct pair of phagocytes?
• Eosinophil, Neutrophil
• Basophil, Neutrophil
• Neutrophil, Monocyte
• Monocyte, Lymphocyte
Answer:
• Neutrophil, Monocyte

Question 4.
Analyse the given table and find the one in which both the statement and the reason are correct.

SI. No.	Statement	Reason
i.	The thymus gland has a role in the defence of cancer.	B lymphocytes mature in the thymus gland.
ii.	Blood clotting is a defence mechanism.	Prevents the flow of blood as well as blocks the entry of pathogens when there is a wound.
iii.	Fever occurs during infection.	Antibodies raise the body temperature.
iv.	Thromboplastin is involved in the process of blood clotting.	Thromboplastin converts fibrinogen into fibrin threads.

Answer:
ii. Blood clotting is a defence mechanism. –  Prevents the flow of blood as well as blocks the entry of pathogens when there is a wound.

Question 5.
From the following, select the statements that are correct, regarding vaccines:
• The immunity produced by vaccines is innate immunity.
• Vaccines help to produce antibodies against pathogens.
• All vaccines contain deactivated pathogens.
Answer:
Vaccines act as antigens. Vaccines help to produce antibodies against pathogens.

Question 6.
The following text is from a placard prepared in connection with World AIDS Day:
Change ourselves, Change the Perspectives
Evaluate the text on the placard based on the following indicators.
i) Social responsibility to stop the disease
ii) Approach toward those affected by the disease
Answer:
i) Social responsibility to stop the disease:
The spread of HTV is a social problem. Therefore, the community must come together to gain knowledge about preventive measures and implement them in life. Every citizen has the responsibility to disseminate correct information and correct misconceptions.

ii) Approach toward those affected by the disease: HIV is not transmitted by sharing food, touching, coughing, or shaking hands. Society needs to embrace this fact. It is a social duty to provide the necessary love, respect, and support to those affected by the disease. Only when discrimination is eliminated patients can seek treatment without fear and lead normal lives.

Question 7.
Analyse the table showing certain pathogens in an area and the number of people affected by them and answer the questions.

Pathogen	Number of infected people
Naegleria fowleri	23
Leptospira	12
Plasmodium	57
Filarial worm	35

i) Which disease affected more people in the region?
ii) Which bacterial disease affected the people?
iii) Which pathogen affected the residents who bathed in stagnant fresh water?
iv) Prepare a note on the precautions to be taken to prevent vectors in the region.
Answer:
i) Malaria (Plasmodium)
ii) Leptospirosis (pathogen: Leptospira)
iii) Naegleria fowleri, Leptospira
iv) Precautions to be taken to prevent disease vectors:

• Completely avoid stagnant water around and inside the house (plant pots, refrigerator trays, tyres, gutters, broken containers).
• Keep wells, tanks, and other water reservoirs netted or closed.
• Clean the house and surroundings once a week and observe a Dry Day.
• Dispose household waste properly. Accumulation of waste attracts rats.

Question 8.
Give reasons.
Although antibiotics are effective medicines, their irrational use is harmful.
Answer:
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics increases the resistance of bacteria. When antibiotics are taken, they not only kill disease-causing bacteria, but also bacteria that are beneficial to the body (especially those in the digestive system).

Biology Class 10 Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus Immunity and Healthcare

Question 1.
In what ways do pathogens enter our bodies?
Answer:

1. Through the air
2. Through contaminated water or food
3. Through skin

Question 2.
Even though we live in the midst of pathogens, most of the time we don’t suffer from diseases. What would be the reason?
Answer:
Although germs are always around us, the main reason why most of us do not get sick all the time is because of our body’s very strong immune system. In addition, the amount and strength of germs, and a healthy lifestyle are also factors that influence this.

Question 3.
Analyse illustration 5.2 and complete Table 5.1.


Answer:

Part of the body	Immune mechanism
Eye, Ear, Mouth, Nose	Lysozyme in saliva and tear, Wax in the ear, Mucus, mucus membrane in the nose.
Trachea	Cilia in the trachea
Skin	Sweat and sebum on the skin
Stomach	HC1 in the stomach
Digestive tract, urinary tract	Useful bacteria in the digestive tract and urinary tract
Large intestine, urinary tract	Mucus, mucus membrane

Answers to the indicators on page 140 of the textbook
Question 4.
Phagosome:
Answer:
Phagocytes (phagosome) are blood cells that engage in the process of phagocytosis.

Question 5.
Importance of the formation of phagolysosome:
Answer:
Inside the phagolysosome, powerful enzymes in the lysosome digest the pathogen and break it into pieces to destroy it. Phagolysosome formation is essential for inactivating pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that have entered the body and breaking down their harmful components.

Question 6.
Phagocytosis – stages:
Answer:

• The phagocyte cell is attracted to the site of infection by chemicals released by the pathogen or by signals from damage to the body.
• The phagocyte cell uses its cell membrane to engulf the pathogen. This cavity inside the cell where the pathogen has entered is called the phagosome.
• The phagosome fuses with a lysosome. The resulting cavity is called the phagolysosome. This step is crucial for destroying the pathogen.
• Inside the phagolysosome, powerful digestive enzymes (for example, hydrolytic enzymes) in the lysosome digest the pathogen’s cell wall and proteins.
• After the pathogen is completely destroyed and digested, the unwanted debris is expelled from the cell.

Answers to the indicators on page 141 of the textbook
Question 7.
Histamine – Function:
Answer:
By dilating blood vessels and increasing their permeability, histamine helps to deliver immune cells and factors needed to destroy pathogens to the injured area as quickly as possible.

Question 8.
The advantage of the dilation of the capillary wall:
Answer:
The dilation of the capillary wall rapidly delivers
immune cells, plasma, and antibodies to the site of infection, increasing the body’s ability to destroy pathogens and repair damage.

Question 9.
Inflammatory response – an immune activity:
Answer:
The inflammatory response is a local immune response that occurs when the body is injured or invaded by pathogens. It is an emergency response that the body takes to destroy pathogens, repair damage, and heal. This response creates a barrier to pathogens, rapidly recruits phagocytes to the site of injury, and ultimately allows cells to destroy the pathogens and repair the damage.

Question 10.
Are neutrophils and monocytes the only types of phagocytes? Find out.
Answer:
Phagocytes are mainly divided into three types of cells:

• Neutrophils: These are the most abundant white blood cells. They are the first to arrive at the site of infection. They play a key role in the rapid response to disease.
• Macrophages: Macrophages are large cells that are transformed when monocytes leave the blood vessels and enter the tissues.
• Dendritic cells: These are found mainly in the skin, lungs, and digestive tract. They are capable of engulfing pathogens.

Question 11.
Why does the inflamed area become red and warm? Find out.
Answer:
The main reason for redness and increased heat in an inflamed area is increased blood flow to that area. Both of these symptoms (redness and heat) indicate the body’s attempt to quickly mobilize immune cells (phagocytes) to the site of infection.

Question 12.
Pyrogens – importance
Answer:
When the body temperature rises above the normal range, infection or inflammation occurs, and then the white blood cells release chemical substances called pyrogens. These trigger the brain to raise the body temperature.

Question 13.
The advantage of the rise in body temperature
Answer:
High temperature helps phagocytes to destroy pathogens more quickly by engulfing them, inhibits the growth of pathogens, and enhances immunity. This is a sign that the body is fighting against the disease. Once the infection is gone, the body temperature returns to the normal level.

Answers to the indicators on page 141 of the textbook
Question 14.
Factors that help in the clotting of blood:
Answer:
The enzyme thromboplastin, the protein prothrombin, thrombin, the inactive protein fibrinogen, and fibrin.

Question 15.
Processes involved in the clotting of blood:
Answer:

• When an injury occurs, the platelets and damaged tissues at the site produce an enzyme called thromboplastin. This converts a protein in the blood plasma called prothrombin into thrombin.
• Thrombin then converts an inactive protein called fibrinogen into fibrin.
• The fibrin forms a network of fibres that traps red blood cells, forming a blood clot.
• This clot prevents further blood loss until the wound is healed.

Question 16.
Clotting of blood – an immune activity:
Answer:
Blood clotting (Coagulation) is an integral part of the body’s immune system. It is the first line of defence that prevents pathogens from entering the body and controls blood loss.

Question 17.
To which category does the immunity received through antibodies from breast milk belongs? Find out.
Answer:
The immunity provided to the baby through antibodies through breast milk falls under the category of Natural Passive Immunity.

Question 18.
Analyse illustration 5.5 and appropriately complete table 5.2 containing information about lymphocytes.

Answer:

Cells in specific immunity	T lymphocytes	B lymphocytes
Formation	Forms in bone marrow	Forms in bone marrow
Maturation	Mature in the thymus gland	Mature in bone marrow
Function	Identify and destroy the infected cells and cancer cells.	Produce proteins called antibodies that act against antigens.

Question 19.
Analyse table 5.3 related to vaccines and gain understanding. Find out how vaccines are classified based on their components.

Answer:

Vaccine	Components of vaccine	Preventable diseases
MMR	Contains neutralised pathogens	Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles).
OPV	Contains dead pathogens	Poliomyelitis (polio)
HPV vaccine	Contains parts of pathogens	Cervical cancer
COVID – 19 vaccine	Contains parts of the genetic material of the pathogen	Coronavirus disease

Answers to the indicators on page 144 of the textbook
Question 20.
Vaccination:
Answer:
Vaccination is an important process that provides our body with immunity against diseases. It is a way to achieve Artificial Active Immunity.

Question 21.
Vaccines components:
Answer:

Vaccine	Components of vaccine
MMR	Contains neutralised pathogens
OPV	Contains dead pathogens
HPV vaccine	Contains parts of pathogens
COVID – 19 vaccine	Contains parts of the genetic material of the pathogen

Question 22.
Types of vaccines:
Answer:
Vaccines are classified into several types based on the method used to make them. Each type of vaccine induces immunity in the body in a different way.

1. Live-Attenuated Vaccines
2. Inactivated Vaccines
3. Subunit / Toxoid Vaccines
4. mRNA Vaccines

Question 23.
The components of vaccines are pathogens or their parts. How do they impart immunity?
Answer:
Vaccines act as antigens in our body. It stimulates our immune system and helps to produce antibodies against pathogens. These antibodies remain in the body and provide long-term protection against diseases. By taking the doses accurately, vaccines help to gain protection from a disease for many years or even for a lifetime.

Question 24.
Are there vaccines which are taken by other means than by injection? Find out.
Answer:
Non-injectable vaccines are available in two main forms:

• Oral Vaccines: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
• Nasal Spray Vaccines: Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Question 25.
What can be done to strengthen the immune system in humans? Discuss.
Answer:

• Lifestyle adjustments (proper sleep, stress reduction, regular exercise, etc.)
• Healthy diet
• Disease prevention methods (vaccination, personal hygiene, avoiding drugs, etc.).

Question 26.
What are the ways to prevent the spread of diseases? Discuss.
Answer:

1. Personal hygiene
2. Environmental hygiene
3. Healthy habits

Answers to the indicators on page 149 of the textbook
Question 27.
Disease – pathogens:
Answer:
AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Question 28.
Mode of transmission:
Answer:
HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and syringes that are not HIV-free, through transfusion of blood or organs containing HIV, and from an infected mother to the foetus.

Question 29.
Precautions to prevent the disease:
Answer:

• Use condoms and take preventive medications to prevent transmission through sexual intercourse.
• Do not use the same needle repeatedly to prevent transmission through blood.
• To prevent transmission from mother to child, HIV-infected mothers should avoid breastfeeding and give formula milk instead.
• Give medicines to the baby during pregnancy and childbirth, and continuously monitor the baby’s health after birth and provide necessary medicines.

Question 30.
People infected with COVID-19 lose their ability to taste and smell? Find out the reason.
Answer:
This is because this virus affects the nervous system and the cells in the respiratory tract.

Question 31.
Disease – pathogens:
Answer:
Nipah: Nipah virus

Question 32.
Mode of transmission:
Answer:

1. From bats to humans
2. From animals to humans
3. From humans to humans

Question 33.
Precautions to prevent the disease:
Answer:

1. Do not eat fruits that have been bitten or eaten by bats, especially dates and mangoes.
2. If you see symptoms (shortness of breath, cough, fever) in pigs or other domestic animals, avoid contact completely.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching public places and before eating.
4. Avoid close contact with individuals with Nipah symptoms.

Answers to the indicators on page 152 of the textbook
Question 34.
Disease – pathogen:
Answer:
Malaria: Plasmodium

Question 35.
Mode of transmission:
Answer:
Female Anopheles mosquito transmits this pathogen from one person to another.

Question 36.
Precautions for the prevention of disease:
Answer:

1. Prevent mosquito bites
2. Prevent mosquito breeding
3. Prevention through medication

Answers to the indicators on page 153 of the textbook
Question 37.
Disease – pathogen:
Answer:
Filariasis: Filarial worm

Question 38.
Symptoms:
Answer:
Body parts such as legs, arms, and genital organs become excessively swollen and enlarged.

Question 39.
Prevention:
Answer:
Prevent mosquito breeding, dispose of waste, and install screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

Question 40.
The disease condition called cancer:
Answer:
Cancer is a condition in which abnormal and uncontrolled cell division leads to the multiplication of cells.

Question 41.
Reasons:
Answer:
Genetic changes, Environmental factors, Viral infections, Lifestyle

Question 42.
Peculiarity of cancer cells:
Answer:
Normal cells become cancerous when the control mechanisms in the cell division process are disrupted. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably.

Question 43.
Treatment methods:
Answer:
Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy. Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Hormone therapy, etc. are the treatment methods.

Question 44.
There are also diseases that are not transmitted from one person to another. What are some such diseases that you know of? Collect information and complete Table 5.5.

Answer:

Type	Disease	Reason
Lifestyle diseases	• Diabetes Mellitus • Hypertension	• Unhealthy Diet • Lack of Physical Activity
Occupational diseases	Silicosis	• Prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the workplace, specifically, the inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust.
Autoimmune disorders	Rheumatoid arthritis	• The Immune System Malfunction • Environmental Triggers
Nutritional disorders	Anaemia	• Inadequate Dietary Intake • Poor Absorption • Chronic Blood Loss

Question 45.
Haven’t you understood about various diseases? Based on this, complete illustration 5.12

Answer:

Question 46.
When should one seek treatment?
Answer:

1. When symptoms appear
2. As a precaution
3. Before and during pregnancy

Answers to the indicators on page 157 of the textbook
Question 47.
Medicines used in Ayurveda:
Answer:
In Ayurveda, plant and animal-based substances are used as medicines.

Question 48.
Treatment method in Homeopathy:
Answer:
This is a method of treatment that uses diluted doses of natural substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person to prevent disease.

Question 49.
Modern medicine:
Answer:
This system corrected superstitions related to diseases and gave importance to pathogens, diagnosis and the medicines.

Answers to the indicators on page 158 of the textbook
Question 50.
Stages of modern medical treatment:
Answer:

1. Assessing the symptoms
2. Laboratory test
3. Body check-up
4. Treatment (Medicine, Surgery, Organ transplantation, Radiation therapy).

Question 51.
Diagnostic measures:
Answer:

1. Assessing the symptoms
2. Laboratory test
3. Body check-up

Question 52.
Methods of treatment:
Answer:
Medicine, Surgery, Organ transplantation, Radiation therapy, etc. are the treatment methods.

Question 53.
Among the devices used for diagnosis, list those that you know.
Answer:
DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

1. Along with assessing the symptoms, diagnosis is also important.
2. Some examples of instruments used for diagnosis are:

a) Stethoscope
b) Sphygmomanometer
c) Digital BP apparatus
d) Pulse oximeter
e) Thermometer
f) Endoscope
g) US scanner, CT scanner, MRI scanner

Question 54.
Analyse the given collage in page 158 and complete table 5.6


Answer:

Equipment	Use
Stethescope	To understand heartbeat rate
Sphygmomanometer	To measure blood pressure
Digital BP Apparatus	An electronic device for measuring blood pressure
Pulse oximeter	To check blood oxygen levels
Thermometer	Body temperature measuring device
Endoscope	used to find the cause of symptoms in organs within the body.
US scanner, CT scanner, MRI scanner	The three main imaging devices used for various diagnoses are US scanner (Ultrasound), CT scanner (CT Scan), and MRI scanner (MRI Scan).

Question 55.
There are various specialisations to make treatment more effective.
Analyse the board displayed in the hospital, identify more departments and find out what each one is related to.
Answer:

• General Medicine – The medical speciality concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that do not require surgery.
• Cardiology – The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.
• Paediatrics – The branch of science concerned with the health, diseases, and care of infants, children, and adolescents.
• Gynaecology – The branch of science concerned with the health problems, diseases, and treatment of the female reproductive system.
• Urology – The branch of science concerned with the diseases and surgeries that affect the urinary system of men and women, as well as the male reproductive system.
• Nephrology – The branch of science concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to the kidneys.
• Neurology – The branch of science concerned with the study, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of the nervous system and diseases that affect it.
• ENT – It is the branch of science that deals with diseases related to the ear, nose, and throat and their treatment.

Question 56.
Analyse the description given on page 162 of the textbook and complete Table 5.7 appropriately.

Answer:

Blood group	Antigen	Antibody
A	A	b
B	B	a
AB	AB	–
O	–	a, b

Question 57.
Do other animals have blood groups? Find out.
Answer:
Each species has its own blood group system. These differ from the ABO system in humans. These groups are determined based on the presence or absence of proteins and antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Answers to the indicators on page 162 of the textbook
Question 58.
Basis of blood groups:
Answer:
Blood groups are determined by the presence of the A antigen and the B antigen present on the surface of RBCs. The type of antigen present in the blood determines the blood group.

Question 59.
Antibodies present in each blood group:
Answer:

1. A group – antibody b
2. B group – antibody a
3. AB group – no antibodies
4. group – antibodies a and b.

Question 60.
Rh factor and blood groups:
Answer:
In addition to A and B antigens, some individuals have another antigen called the D antigen. If D antigen is present, the blood group is called positive; if absent, it is called negative. Since the D antigen was first discovered in Rhesus monkeys, it is also known as the Rhesus factor (Rh factor).

Question 61.
Importance of determining blood group in blood transfusion:
Answer:
If the donor’s blood contains an antigen that is naturally absent in the recipient’s blood, the antibodies present in the recipient’s plasma may act against it, leading to agglutination of the blood. Therefore, it is essential to consider blood groups in blood transfusion.

Question 62.
Is there a threat of plant diseases in your area? Prepare a project report by interviewing local farmers and the agricultural officer about the diseases and the control measures they have adopted, and present in the class.
Answer:
A sample project report is given below:

• Introduction: The objective of this project was to study the major diseases affecting agricultural crops in our region, how they affect farmers economically, and the scientific preventive measures adopted by the Agriculture Department to control these diseases. For this, information was collected by visiting the farms and the Agriculture Office in the region.
• Include an interview questionnaire conducted with farmers and Agriculture Officers
• Add information about one of the most threatening diseases from the interview and other studies.
• Conclusion: Currently, diseases like blight in rice and bunchy top in banana are a major threat in our region. Although farmers rely on chemicals to control these diseases, it is essential to implement integrated pest management, which includes resistant seeds, organic pesticides, and regular inspections as per the instructions of the Agriculture Department.

Question 63.
Do plants have an immune system like animals?
Answer:
Yes, plants have an immune system to protect against pathogens, but it is an innate immune system that is distinct from the animal immune system. Key differences include the absence of specialized immune cells and an adaptive immune system in plants; instead, plants rely on cell-surface and intracellular immune receptors to detect microbial molecules and launch defensive responses like producing antimicrobials and reinforcing cell walls.

Std 10 Biology Chapter 5 Notes – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Organise a blood group determination camp in the school under the auspices of the Health Club and prepare a Blood Group Directory.

Question 2.
Conduct a survey to find out the vaccination status of school children in your area and plan awareness programmes accordingly.
Answer:
Tips to include in an awareness campaign about the importance of vaccination:

• The fundamental importance of vaccination
• Individual and societal benefits
• Dispelling common doubts and misconceptions
• Raising awareness about authoritative sources
• Providing an opportunity to share the experiences of those who have recovered from the disease or avoided the disease through vaccination.

Question 3.
Prepare an action plan to eliminate mosquitoes at home and in your school and submit the report to the concerned authorities of the school and the Panchayath.
Answer:
Below are some important tips and suggestions for preparing an action plan to eliminate mosquitoes in homes and schools:
Action Plan Step 1: Identify and eliminate breeding sites.

In homes:

• Standing water
• Sewage
• Coolers/fridge trays
• Water tanks

In schools:

• Playgrounds/premises
• Tanks and pipes
• Garden/farming

Action Plan Step 2: Prevention Methods In homes and schools:

• Install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
• Encourage children to wear long clothing that covers their arms and legs, if possible, to avoid mosquito bites.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping.

Action Plan Step 3: Awareness and Monitoring In schools:

• Campaigns
• Form a mosquito control monitoring squad, including children.
• Weekly “Dry Day”

In homes:

• Family meetings
• Regularly ensure that there is no water stagnation in the terrace of the house, rainwater pipes, and air conditioner drainage.

Question 4.
Conduct interviews with the agricultural officer, veterinary doctor and farmers to learn about plant and animal diseases in your area, prepare a presentation and present it in class.
Answer:
Questions for interviewing the Agriculture Officer:

1. What are the major agricultural crops in the area and the diseases that mainly affect them?
2. What was the plant disease that caused the most damage this year? What is its cause?
3. What are the current aids and subsidies provided by Krishi Bhavan for disease control?

Questions to interview a veterinarian:

1. What are the main diseases that affect domestic animals (cattle, poultry, goats, pigs) in your area?
2. Have zoonotic diseases (transmitted from animals to humans) been reported in the area? What precautions are taken to prevent them?
3. What are the awareness programs provided by the veterinary hospital to prevent recurrence of the disease after treatment?

Questions to interview farmers:

1. What are the diseases that mostly affect your crops and livestock?
2. Are you satisfied with the assistance you receive from the Krishi Bhavan or the Agriculture Officer?
3. What are two main suggestions you would like to put forward to improve the plant and animal disease control system in this area?

Immunity and Healthcare Class 10 Notes

Immunity and Healthcare Notes Pdf

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Anything that can enter our bodies and cause disease, including germs, can be called antigens. Germs, pollen, dust, some foods, and chemicals are all examples of antigens.
• The immune system is the body’s ability to prevent the entry of pathogens and destroy pathogens that have entered. These are of two types: innate immunity and acquired immunity.
• Phagocytosis is the process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens.
• The inflammatory response is a way to increase blood flow to the area of a wound or injury and recruit white blood cells to fight infection.
• Fever is a condition in which the body’s temperature rises above normal (98.6°F or 37°C).
• Blood clotting is a way to stop blood flow and prevent the entry of germs when there is a cut on the skin.
• Lymphocytes are the main cells responsible for acquired immunity. There are two types of lymphocytes – T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.
• Vaccines act as antigens in the body. This stimulates our immune system to produce antibodies against pathogens.
• Immunisation is an artificial way of preparing Immune cells for a potential attack by a pathogen. The immunity acquired in this way is called artificial immunity.
• Acquired diseases are diseases that occur during a person’s lifetime. In addition to these, there are also hereditary diseases. Environmental factors, pathogens, lifestyle, etc., can all cause such diseases.
• Most infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms. Such diseases are known as contagious diseases. Such diseases can be transmitted by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and worms.
• Cancer is a non-communicable disease. It is a condition in which cells multiply through abnormal and uncontrolled cell division and spread to other parts of the body.
• Hereditary diseases are diseases caused by genetic defects. Sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia are examples of some such diseases.
• In different parts of the world, treatment methods have been developed according to the lifestyle, culture, and available natural resources of the respective region. Ayurveda and Unani are traditional treatment methods that have evolved over time.
• Antibiotics are drugs that are made from microorganisms or are synthetically produced and used against bacteria.
• Blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood components from one person to another. The person who gives blood is called a donor, and the person who receives blood is called a recipient.
• The study of diseases affecting animals and plants, their symptoms, causes, and methods of control are important fields in biology, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.

INTRODUCTION

Health
Health is the greatest wealth and blessing in human life. According to the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease, or infirmity.”

Innate and acquired immunity
Immunity is the natural ability of an organism to protect its body from pathogens and other foreign substances. The immune system of humans and other organisms mainly relies on two types of immunity:

• Innate Immunity: This is a general and non-specific immunity that exists in a person at birth.
• Acquired or Adaptive Immunity: This is immunity that is acquired during a person’s life through exposure to diseases or through vaccination.

Acquired diseases
Acquired diseases are diseases that a person does not have at birth or are not genetically inherited, but are acquired during life. Acquired diseases can be divided into two broad categories based on their nature: communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. In modern healthcare, the increase in these communicable diseases is a major challenge. A healthy lifestyle and preventive measures (vaccination, hygiene) are essential to prevent and control them.

Cancer
The human body is made up of billions of cells. These cells grow, divide, and die when needed in an orderly process. However, cancer is a condition in which this natural growth control is lost. There is no single-cause for cancer. Many factors can cause cancer, including genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption, ultraviolet rays,
certain types of viruses (for example: HPV), and environmental toxins.

Hereditary diseases
Hereditary diseases are diseases that are passed down from a person’s parents or ancestors to the next generation through genetic factors. These fall under the larger category of genetic disorders. Haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia are examples of such diseases.

Treatment
Treatment refers to all activities performed to alleviate, eliminate, or mitigate the effects of a disease, injury, or other health-related issue. The basic goal of treatment is to restore or maintain human health and well-being. There are various types of treatment methods in modern medicine.

Blood transfusion
Blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood components into a patient’s body through veins. It is a treatment method that is used frequently all over the world to save lives. Blood transfusion is a process that must be done with great care. This is because incompatibilities in blood group and Rh factor between the donor’s blood and the recipient’s blood can cause serious reactions. Therefore, it is essential to perform accurate tests such as cross-matching before donating blood.

Animal and plant diseases
Diseases are defined as abnormal conditions in living organisms that threaten the survival, food supply, and economic security of living organisms on Earth. The study of diseases affecting animals and plants, their symptoms, causes, and methods of control are important areas of biology, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.

HEALTH

• Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being. It means not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Drug abuse is one of the biggest threats to health.
• Apart from drugs, the list of other factors that adversely affect health are:
  • Pathogens
  • Malnutrition
  • Environmental factors (pollution, chemicals)
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
• Any change in the homeostasis of the body due to these factors is called disease.
• Pathogens around us cause different types of diseases. They enter our body in many ways.

Antigens

• Anything, including pathogens that enter our body and cause diseases, is called an antigen.
• Pathogens, pollen grains, dust, certain food items, chemicals, etc., are examples of antigens.

Immunity
Immunity is the ability of the body to prevent the entry of pathogens and to destroy those that have already entered. Some of them are innate and some others are acquired.

INNATE IMMUNITY

• The natural immune mechanism that exists in the body by birth is called innate immunity.
• Innate immunity includes various mechanisms to prevent antigens from entering the body. These are generally called primary level immunity.
• If the pathogens bypass the primary level immunity and enter the body, the innate immune system that defends against them is called the secondary level immunity.
• It includes the coordinated action of defence mechanisms that destroy the pathogens that have entered the body.
• White blood cells are mainly involved in secondary-level immunity.
• All innate immune functions are independent of the type or mode of action of the pathogens. Therefore, they are called non-specific immunity.

PHAGOCYTOSIS

• Phagocytosis is the process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens.
• The blood cells that take part in phagocytosis are called phagocytes.
• White blood cells such as neutrophils and monocytes are phagocytes.

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

• It is the process by which blood flow increases to the injured or bruised area to bring white blood cells to fight an infection.
• The cells at the injured part releases histamine and other chemical substances. This dilates the blood vessels.
• As blood flow increases, blood cells such as monocytes and neutrophils reach the injured area.
• They engulf and destroy the pathogens.

Fever

• Fever is the condition that occurs when the body temperature rises above the normal range (98.6° F or 37° C).
• When infection or inflammation occurs, white blood cells release chemical substances called pyrogens. These trigger the brain to raise the body temperature.
• Fever is a kind of immune mechanism.
• High temperature helps phagocytes to destroy pathogens more quickly by engulfing them, inhibit the growth of pathogens, and enhance immunity.
• This is a sign that the body is fighting against the disease.
• Once the infection is gone, the body temperature returns to the normal level.

CLOTTING OF BLOOD

• It is a mechanism to prevent the flow of blood as well as to block the entry of pathogens into the body when a wound forms on the skin.
• When an injury occurs, the platelets and damaged tissues at the site produce an enzyme called thromboplastin. This converts a protein in the blood plasma called prothrombin into thrombin.
• Thrombin then converts an inactive protein called fibrinogen into fibrin.
• The fibrin forms a network of fibres that traps red blood cells, forming a blood clot.
• This clot prevents further blood loss until the wound is healed.

Wound healing

• As blood clots and inflammation occur at the wound, new tissues are formed, leading to wound healing.
• If the wound is healed with connective tissue replacing the lost tissues, a scar will remain.

ACQUIRED IMMUNITY

• This is the immunity that develops after birth.
• This immune mechanism specifically recognises and defends antigens (like the pathogens) that enter the body. Hence, this is also called as specific immunity.
• This immune defence is primarily carried out by lymphocytes. There are two types of lymphocytes -T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.

T lymphocytes	B lymphocytes
Form in bone marrow and mature in thymus gland. Identify and destroy the infected cells and cancer cells	Form and mature in bone marrow. Produce proteins called antibodies which act against antigens.

VACCINES

• In deadly diseases like Diphtheria and Tetanus, by the time natural immunity develops and becomes effective, the pathogens will have multiplied and the chances of death are high.
• In such situations, we have to rely on artificial immune mechanisms. Vaccines are the substances used for this.
• Vaccines act as antigens in our body.
• It stimulates our immune system and helps to produce antibodies against the pathogens.
• These antibodies remain in the body and provide long-term protection against diseases. By taking the doses accurately vaccines help to gain protection from a disease for many years or even for a lifetime.
• There are many vaccines available, including MMR, OPV, HPV, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Immunisation is an artificial method of preparing the immune cells in advance, expecting the attack of pathogens. The immunity acquired in this way is called artificial immunity.

ACQUIRED DISEASES

• Malfunction of the immune system, genetic defects, unhealthy lifestyle, abundance of pathogens etc. disrupt the homeostasis of the body and cause diseases.
• There are diseases that occur during a person’s lifetime and also diseases that are inherited.
• Diseases which occur during the course of one’s life are called acquired diseases. Environmental factors, pathogens, lifestyle etc. may cause these diseases.
• There are communicable and Non-communicable diseases.
• Most communicable diseases are caused by microorganisms. Such diseases are known as contagious diseases.

BACTERIA

• When bacteria enter the body and multiply, the toxins released by them destroy the host tissues and disrupt bodily functions.
• Some produce enzymes that damage the cell membrane and destroy cells.
• Tuberculosis and Leptospirosis are some diseases spread by bacteria.

VIRUS

• Viruses enter the body and multiply using the genetic mechanism of the host cells.
• Thereby, they destroy the cells and cause diseases.
• AIDS and Nipah are examples of diseases transmitted by viruses.

a) AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome)

• Pathogen: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HTV).
• Affects T lymphocytes.
• The virus attacks, and destroys them by multiplying using the genetic mechanism of T lymphocytes. As a result, the body’s ability to fight diseases is reduced and gradually the condition reaches to AIDS.
• Symptoms: Primary symptoms are similar to other viral diseases, but when the immunity decreases, fatal diseases such as Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, some types of cancer, etc., may develop.
• Mode of Transmission: HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, by sharing needles and syringes that are not HTV-free, through transfusion of blood or organs containing HIV, and from an infected mother to the foetus.
• Treatment – Currently, there is no medicine to completely cure AIDS. However, through Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), it is possible to control the multiplication of the virus and maintain the patient’s immunity.
• Scientists are working on technologies like CRISPR gene editing to cut and remove the HTV virus gene from cells.
• Along with this, efforts are also underway to develop medicines that ean activate and destroy the hidden HIV in the body, as well as to discover an effective HIV vaccine.

b) Nipah

• Pathogen: Nipah virus
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscular pain, cough, and vomiting are the initial symptoms. As the disease becomes severe, disorientation, epilepsy, and loss of consciousness may occur.
• Mode of transmission:

Treatment: Only supportive care is available to reduce the symptoms and complications of the disease. There are currently no antiviral medicines or vaccines.

FUNGUS

• Fungi can also cause various types of diseases in humans.
• These may directly infect the skin and nails, or produce toxins, leading to different diseases.

PROTOZOA

• They are unicellular eukaryotes.
• Some protozoa infect the red blood cells, multiply inside them and destroy them.

• Some others release harmful substances that affect the physiological activities.
• Malaria is a disease spread by protozoa.
• The protozoan named Plasmodium is the pathogen. Female Anopheles mosquito transmits this pathogen from one person to another.

• Symptoms: Intermittent fever, chills and shivering, headache, vomiting, muscular pain, body pain and fatigue.
• Treatment: Antimalarial medicines are used.

WORMS

• The parasitic worms such as pin worm, round worm etc. cause diseases.
• These diseases are generally known as worm infestations.
• The infection spreads through habits like nail- biting, eating without washing hands, or drinking contaminated water.
• Worm infestation causes fatigue, lack of enthusiasm,’tiredness, lack of concentration, nutritional deficiency, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, dizziness, and vomiting.
• Albendazole destroys various types of worms and helps prevent worm infestation. Albendazole tablets are effective in preventing the spread of worm infestation too.

a) Filariasis

• Filariasis occurs when filarial worms lodge in the lymphatic vessels and obstruct the normal flow of lymph.
• Female culex mosquitoes transmit these pathogens from one person to another.

• When a mosquito bites, the larvae of the worms enter the bloodstream, grow, and reach the lymphatic vessels and settle there.
• As a result, lymphatic fluid accumulates, and over time, body parts such as legs, arms, and
  genital organs become excessively swollen and enlarged.

CANCER

• Cancer is a non-contagious disease.
• Cancer is a condition in which abnormal and uncontrolled cell division leads to the multiplication of cells.
• This spreads to other parts of the body. When the control mechanisms of the cell division process fail, normal cells turn into cancer cells.
• Cancer cells spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph.
• Causes of Cancer: Genetic changes, Environmental factors, Viral infections, Lifestyle
• Treatment Methods: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy. Immunotherapy. Targeted therapy, Hormone therapy, etc. are the treatment methods.

HEREDITARY DISEASES

• Diseases caused by genetic defects are called hereditary diseases.
• Sickle cell anaemia and haemophilia are examples of such diseases.

TREATMENT

• In different parts of the world, treatment methods have evolved according to the lifestyle, culture, and available natural resources of the respective region.
• Ayurveda and Unani are traditional treatment methods that have evolved in this way.

AYURVEDA

• Ayurveda is a world-renowned system of treatment that originated in India.
• It aims at maintaining the balance of bodily functions through diet regulation, herbal medicines and exercise.
• In Ayurveda, plant and animal-based substances are used as medicines.
• Charaka is known as the Father of the Ayurvedic system of treatment.

HOMEOPATHY

• Homeopathy is a system of treatment introduced by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann.
• This is a method of treatment that uses diluted doses of natural substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person to prevent disease.

MODERN MEDICINE

• The foundation of modern medicine was laid by the Greek physician Hippocrates.
• This system corrected superstitions related to diseases and gave importance to pathogens, diagnosis and the medicines.

MEDICINES

• Following the diagnosis, various medicines are used for treatment.
• These may be derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, or they may be artificially synthesised.
• Among these, antibiotics deserve special mention.

ANTIBIOTICS

• Antibiotics are medicines that are either derived from microorganisms or produced synthetically, and are used
• against bacteria.
• Although they are the most effective medicines available to treat bacterial diseases, their unscientific and excessive use can lead to several side effects.
• Some of these side effects include:
  • Problems in the digestive system such as diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain
  • Allergy
  • Damage to the liver and kidneys
  • Destruction of beneficial bacteria in the intestine
  • Resistance against antibiotics (Antibiotic resistance)
• A major concern is antibiotic resistance, which is developed in bacteria. This makes treatment more complicated.
• Use antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor.

• Against viruses – antiviral drugs • Against fungi – antifungal drugs • Against protozoa – antiprotozoal drugs • against worms – Anti-helminthic drugs • To reduce fever – antipyretic drugs

Alexander Fleming and Penicillin

Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin in 1928. While examining a petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria, he noticed that a fungus called Penicillium notatum had grown on it and was destroying the bacteria. This was the first antibiotic in the world that could kill bacteria without harming human cells.

Although Fleming could not purify penicillin himself, after a decade, Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain succeeded in purifying it and began large-scale production during the Second World War. This discovery revolutionised medical science. In 1945, Fleming, Florey, and Chain were awarded the Nobel Prize for this work. This led to the beginning of the antibiotic era.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

• The process of transferring blood or its components from one person to another is called blood transfusion.
• The person who gives blood is known as the donor, and the person who receives blood is called the recipient.
• Blood groups are determined by the presence of A antigen and B antigen present on the surface of RBCs.
• The type of antigen present in the blood determines the blood group.
• The antibodies present in the plasma also play an important role in blood transfusion.
• In addition to A and B antigens, some individuals have another antigen called the D antigen. If D antigen is present, the blood group is called positive; if absent, it is called negative.
• Since the D antigen was first discovered in Rhesus monkeys, it is also known as the Rhesus factor (Rh factor).
• If the donor’s blood contains an antigen that is naturally absent in the recipient’s blood, the antibodies present in the recipient’s plasma may act against it, leading to agglutination of the blood. Therefore, it is essential to consider blood groups in blood transfusion.

ANIMAL AND PLANT DISEASES
Diseases affect not only humans but also animals and plants.

ANIMAL DISEASES

Disease	Pathogen	Affects	Prevention
Foot and Mouth Disease	Virus	Cattles	Vaccine
Anthrax	Bacteria	Cattles	Vaccinfc
Mastitis	Bacteria	Cattles	Vaccine
Ranikhet disease	Virus	Chicken, duck	Vaccine

PLANT DISEASES

Disease	Pathogen	Symptoms
Wilt of Brinjal	Bacteria	The young leaves wilt quickly. Gradually, the leaves turn yellow, growth becomes stunted, and the branches are reduced in number.
Blight disease of paddy	Bacteria	Round yellow spots on the leaves, spots on the rice grain
Bunchy top of Banana	Virus	Leaves become short, narrow and stand upright; growth becomes stunted.
Mosaic disease in Tapioca	Virus	Initially, light yellow-coloured patches form on the leaves. Gradually, these become white. Growth retards, and the size of tapioca decreases.
Bud rot of coconut	Fungus	The tender leaves turn into yellow, and the crown of the coconut tree droops and falls.
Quick wilt of pepper	Fungus	Wet marks on the leaves and stem. Leaves fall, and the plant wilts quickly.

IMMUNITY IN PLANTS

• A rigid cell wall, epidermis and waxy coating on leaves and stems prevent the entry of pathogens.
• Antimicrobial substances either kill pathogens or inhibit their growth.
• Enzymes break down the cell walls of pathogens.
• The cells in the infected area undergo autolysis to prevent the spread of the disease.
• When one part of the plant is attacked, it sends warning signals from cell to cell about the disease.
• If pathogens cross the cell wall and enter, a polysaccharide called callose prevents their spread.