← Biology syllabus

EnglandBiology

4.3 Infection and response

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the main types of pathogen, and which diseases do they cause?

Pathogens as disease-causing microorganisms, the four types (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists), how each makes us ill, and named examples of communicable diseases caused by each type.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.3.1, covering pathogens, the four pathogen types (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists), how they make us ill, and named examples of the diseases they cause.
9 min answer →

How does the human body defend itself against pathogens?

The non-specific defences of the body (skin, nose, trachea, bronchi and stomach acid) and the role of the immune system, including phagocytosis, antibody production and antitoxins.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.3.1.2, covering the non-specific defences of the body and the role of white blood cells in phagocytosis, antibody production and antitoxin production.
9 min answer →

What are monoclonal antibodies, how are they made, and what are they used for?

How monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of cells, their specificity to one binding site, and their uses in pregnancy tests, diagnosis, research and treating disease, with the advantages and disadvantages.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.3.1.7, covering how monoclonal antibodies are produced from hybridoma cells, their specificity, and their uses in pregnancy tests, diagnosis, research and treatment.
9 min answer →

How are pathogens spread, and how can the spread of disease be reduced or prevented?

The ways pathogens are spread (direct contact, water, air and vectors), the named diseases for each route, and the methods used to reduce or prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.3.1, covering how pathogens are spread by direct contact, water, air and vectors, the named diseases for each, and the methods used to reduce the spread of disease.
9 min answer →

How do vaccines protect us, and how are new drugs discovered and tested?

How vaccination produces immunity, the action of antibiotics and painkillers, the discovery of drugs, and the stages of preclinical and clinical testing including placebos and double-blind trials.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.3.1.3 to 4.3.1.6, covering how vaccination produces immunity, the action of antibiotics and painkillers, and the discovery, testing and trialling of new drugs.
10 min answer →