Photo AI
Name a development in the history of our understanding of malaria and identify a prevention strategy that resulted from that development - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 25 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 25
Name a development in the history of our understanding of malaria and identify a prevention strategy that resulted from that development. Scientists are currently d... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name a development in the history of our understanding of malaria and identify a prevention strategy that resulted from that development - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 25 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name a development in the history of our understanding of malaria and identify a prevention strategy that resulted from that development.
Answer
One significant development in our understanding of malaria is the discovery that the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. This understanding led to the implementation of prevention strategies such as the use of mosquito nets, which protect individuals from bites by these vectors, especially at night when mosquitoes are most active.
Step 2
Outline how a vaccine against malaria would prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease in a population.
Answer
A vaccine against malaria would work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce specific memory cells, such as memory T cells and B cells. When an individual encounters the malaria parasite (Plasmodium spp.), these memory cells would recognize and immobilize the pathogen quickly, preventing the onset of the disease.
If a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the transmission of malaria would be significantly reduced, as the parasites would not be able to complete their life cycle within hosts. This herd immunity would contribute to a decrease in the overall occurrence of malaria in the community, leading to potential eradication efforts.