Photo AI
Streptococcus bacteria can cause a sore throat or skin infection - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Streptococcus bacteria can cause a sore throat or skin infection. An illness called scarlet fever can also develop during an infection with this bacterium. (a) (i)... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Streptococcus bacteria can cause a sore throat or skin infection - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give two precautions a doctor should take when treating a patient who is infected with Streptococcus.
Answer
- Wash hands after contact: It is essential for the doctor to wash their hands thoroughly after examining or treating a patient infected with Streptococcus to prevent the further spread of the bacteria.
- Wear protective clothing: The doctor should wear gloves or protective clothing during examination or treatment to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and protect themselves from potential infection.
Step 2
Calculate the percentage increase of the number of cases of scarlet fever between the periods September 2014 to March 2015 and September 2013 to March 2014.
Answer
To calculate the percentage increase, first, find the difference in the number of cases:
Next, use the formula for percentage increase:
ext{Percentage Increase} = rac{ ext{Difference}}{ ext{Original Number}} imes 100 = rac{3113}{2830} imes 100 \approx 110\%
Step 3
Explain how an adult develops immunity to the toxin.
Answer
Adults typically develop immunity to toxins produced by Streptococcus through a process known as adaptive immunity. This occurs when an adult is exposed to the toxin, which stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies against it.
Once this initial exposure occurs, memory cells are formed that 'remember' the toxin. Upon subsequent exposures to the same toxin, these memory cells allow for a swift and effective immune response, resulting in immunity. Additionally, vaccination can also play a role in building immunity to specific toxins.