The following diagram shows two examples of pathogens - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 2
The following diagram shows two examples of pathogens. The relative size of each is indicated.
Specimen A is an example of a pathogenic agent.
a. i. The structure... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The following diagram shows two examples of pathogens - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
i. The structures at Y are distributed uniformly throughout specimen A. What are the structures at Y?
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The structures at Y are ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis in the cell. Ribosomes translate messenger RNA into polypeptides, forming the building blocks for proteins.
Step 2
ii. What is the function of these structures?
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The primary function of ribosomes is to synthesize proteins by translating the genetic information carried by mRNA. This process is vital for the growth and repair of cells.
Step 3
b. i. Name the kind of pathogenic agent.
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The kind of pathogenic agent is a virus.
Step 4
ii. What is the significant feature that is used to distinguish a pathogenic agent from a pathogenic organism?
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A significant feature used to distinguish a pathogenic agent from a pathogenic organism is the pathogenic agent's inability to reproduce outside a living cell. Unlike organisms, which can reproduce independently, viruses require a host cell to replicate.
Step 5
c. What is the role of the mosquito in the life cycle of Wuchereria bancrofti?
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The mosquito acts as a vector in the life cycle of Wuchereria bancrofti. It transmits the larvae to humans through its bite, facilitating the infection process where larvae enter the human bloodstream.
Step 6
d. What is one structural feature you would expect to find in the larvae that helps it survive in this environment?
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One structural feature in the larvae is the presence of a protective cuticle, which helps it to survive in the hostile environment of the mosquito's stomach and prevents it from being digested.
Step 7
e. What is another different structural feature you would expect to find in the larvae that helps it survive in the human?
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Another structural feature is the presence of sensory structures, such as amphids, which help the larvae detect and navigate through the host's environment, aiding in finding suitable habitats within the human body.
Step 8
f. Describe one method that may be used to control the spread of this parasitic worm.
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One method to control the spread of Wuchereria bancrofti is the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. These nets protect people from mosquito bites while they sleep, significantly reducing the chances of transmission of the larvae.