Class-7 2ND TERM (2024-25)

Unit-3 IMMUNITY AND DISEASES PAGE 46-60

Short Questions:
1. What are pathogens, and how can they be classified?
Answer: “Pathogens are microorganisms or agents that cause disease in their host”. These can
infect humans, animals, or plants and disrupt normal physiological functions. Pathogens can be
classified into several categories based on their biological nature.
Classification of pathogens: Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites and Fungi.
2. Define Microorganisms. List common microorganisms that can cause disease in humans.
Answers: “Microorganisms, or microbes, are microscopic living organisms that are too small to
be seen with the naked eye”. They can exist as single cells, colonies, or multicellular structures
and are found in almost every environment on Earth.
Bacteria: Tuberculosis, cholera, pneumonia.
Viruses: COVID-19, measles, hepatitis.
Parasites: Malaria, tapeworm infection, schistosomiasis
Fungi: Athlete's foot, ringworm, aspergillosis.
3. Write a note Covid-19.
Answers. COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-
CoV-2. It was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and led to a global pandemic. The
virus spreads through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, with severe cases
causing pneumonia or organ failure. Preventative measures include vaccination, wearing masks,
hand hygiene, and social distancing. Treatment varies from supportive care for mild cases to
oxygen therapy and antivirals for severe cases.
4. Mention the cause of Malaria. Describe its symptoms & prevention.
Answer. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected
female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms:
• High fever and chills.
• Sweating and headaches.
• Muscle pain and fatigue.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
 • Severe cases can lead to organ failure or cerebral malaria.
Prevention
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).
• Apply mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing.
• Eliminate stagnant water to reduce mosquito breeding.
• Take antimalarial medications when traveling to endemic areas.

5. What is the role of white blood cells in the immune system?

Answer: White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are vital components of the immune system that help
defend the body against infections, foreign invaders, and abnormal cells.
They identify, attack, and destroy pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. WBCs also play a role in
inflammation, wound healing, and producing antibodies for long-term immunity.

6. What is Lymphatic system?

Answers. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that helps maintain fluid
balance, remove waste, and support the immune system. It transports lymph, a clear fluid containing white
blood cells, throughout the body. Key components include lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, and tonsils,
which filter pathogens and activate immune responses.

7. Which organ plays a crucial role in filtering and purifying blood as a part of the immune
system?
Answer. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering and purifying blood as part of the immune system. It
removes old or damaged red blood cells, filters pathogens, and produces white blood cells to fight
infections, contributing to overall immunity.

8. Differentiate between the active and passive immune systems.

Answer.

Active Immunity Passive Immunity

Immunity developed by the body after exposure Immunity acquired by receiving ready-made
to antigens antibodies.
Produced by the body's immune system (e.g., Antibodies are transferred (e.g., through maternal
via infection or vaccination antibodies or antibody injections
Long-lasting, often lifelong (due to memory Temporary, lasting for weeks to months
cells)
Immunity after recovering from chickenpox or Newborn immunity through breast milk or
vaccination antiserum

9. List three strategies to avoid catching diseases.

Answer. Three Strategies to Avoid Catching Diseases:
 • Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap, avoid touching the face, and
keep personal items clean.
• Get Vaccinated: Ensure timely immunizations to protect against preventable diseases like
flu, measles, or COVID-19.
• Practice Healthy Habits: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and
avoid close contact with sick individuals.
10. How does exercise contribute to a strong immune system?
Answer.
• Boosts Circulation: Regular exercise improves blood circulation, helping immune cells
and nutrients reach tissues more effectively to detect and fight infections.
• Reduces Stress: Exercise lowers stress hormones, which can suppress the immune system,
thus enhancing overall immune function.
• Enhances Immune Response: Moderate physical activity increases the production of
immune cells like white blood cells, strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.

11. Suggest a simple exercise that helps to lower anxiety & stress.
Answer. A simple and effective exercise to lower anxiety and stress is deep breathing or
diaphragmatic breathing. Here's how you can do it:

• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

• Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, counting to four as you fill your
lungs with air.
• Hold your breath for a count of four.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
• Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breath and allowing your body to
relax.
This exercise helps activate the body's relaxation response, reducing anxiety and stress.
Long Questions
Q1. Write a detail note on bacteria & virus. Draw diagrams & mention how do they spread the
diseases.
Answer. Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria:
• Bacteria are single-celled organisms that belong to the group of living things called
prokaryotes.
• They reproduce once in every 20 minutes.
• They come in various shapes such as:

Bacteria spread through:

• Airborne Transmission: Sneezing or coughing releases bacteria into the air (e.g.,
tuberculosis).
• Contaminated Food and Water: Eating or drinking contaminated items (e.g., cholera).
 • Direct Contact: Touching infected wounds or surfaces (e.g., skin infections).
• Insect Bites: Carried by insects like fleas or ticks (e.g., Lyme disease).
Examples of Diseases Caused by Bacteria
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Pneumonia
Viruses
• Viruses are non-living particles that can only multiply inside the cells of a host organism.
• They are 100 times smaller than bacteria and consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
surrounded by a protein shell.
• Shapes of viruses are

Viruses spread in similar ways to bacteria:

• Airborne Transmission: Through droplets from sneezing, coughing, or talking (e.g., flu).
• Contact with Contaminated Surfaces: Touching objects with virus particles and then
touching the face (e.g., COVID-19).
• Infected Body Fluids: Spread through blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids (e.g., HIV).
 • Animal Bites: Viruses like rabies are transmitted through bites.
Examples of Diseases Caused by Viruses
• Influenza (Flu)
• COVID-19
• Chickenpox
• Rabies
Q2. Write a detail note Innate Immune system.
Answer.

The Innate Immune System

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against harmful pathogens such as
bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It is also called the non-specific immune system
because it does not target specific pathogens but works against all kinds of pathogens in the same
way.
Main Features of the Innate Immune System
1. Present from Birth
The innate immune system is active from birth, unlike the adaptive immune system,
which develops as you grow.
2. Fast Response
It acts immediately or within hours after detecting an invading pathogen.
3. Non-specific Defense
It does not specifically recognize or remember pathogens. Instead, it provides a general
defense.
Components of the Innate Immune System
The innate immune system includes both physical barriers and internal defenses:
1. Physical Barriers.
These are the first line of defense that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Examples
include:
• Skin: Acts as a physical shield, preventing pathogens from entering the body.
• Mucous Membranes: Found in the nose, throat, and other areas; trap and remove
pathogens.
• Tears and Saliva: Contain enzymes like lysozymes that kill bacteria.
• Stomach Acid: Destroys pathogens in food and water.
 • Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures found on the surface of certain cells. Found in the
respiratory tract, where they help move mucus and trapped particles (like dust and
pathogens) out of the lungs
2. Internal Defenses
If pathogens get past the physical barriers, internal defenses come into action:
• White Blood Cells (Phagocytes):
o Phagocytes like macrophages and neutrophils swallow and destroy pathogens in a
process called phagocytosis.
o These cells patrol the body and attack any pathogen they encounter.
• Inflammatory Response:
o When tissues are injured or infected, they release chemicals like histamine that
cause inflammation.
o This leads to redness, swelling, heat, and sometimes pain. The inflammation helps
isolate the pathogen and recruit immune cells to the site.
• Natural Killer (NK) Cells:
o These cells detect and destroy infected or abnormal body cells, such as cancer
cells.
• Antimicrobial Proteins:
o Proteins like interferons help inhibit the spread of viruses.
o Complement proteins can destroy pathogens by puncturing their membranes.
• Fever:
o Fever is a response to infection that raises body temperature to make the
environment less suitable for pathogens to grow.
Importance of the Innate Immune System
• Quick Defense: It provides immediate protection
• Prevents Spread: It limits the spread of infection until more specialized defenses can take
over.
• Works Together: The innate immune system works alongside the adaptive immune
system to provide complete immunity.
Q3: What are the strategies to strengthen the immune system?
Answer: Strategies to Strengthen the Immune System
A strong immune system is essential for staying healthy and preventing infections. Here are
strategies to strengthen the immune system:
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients supports immune function. Key nutrients include:
• Vitamins:
o Vitamin C (found in oranges, lemons, and guavas) boosts white blood cell
production.
o Vitamin D (found in sunlight, fish, and eggs) enhances the immune response.
• Minerals:
o Zinc (found in nuts, seeds, and meat) helps in the production of immune cells.
o Iron (found in spinach and red meat) is essential for overall health.
• Proteins: Help repair and build body tissues, including immune cells.
• Antioxidants: Found in fruits and vegetables, these protect cells from damage.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body and keeps cells functioning properly.
Proper hydration also supports the production of lymph, a fluid that carries white blood cells
throughout the body.
3. Get Enough Sleep
• The body repairs itself and produces immune-boosting cells during sleep.
• Teenagers should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
4. Exercise Regularly
• Moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, improves blood circulation,
allowing immune cells to move more effectively throughout the body.
• Avoid over-exercising, as this can temporarily weaken the immune system.
5. Manage Stress
• Chronic stress can weaken the immune system by releasing high levels of cortisol, a
stress hormone.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
6. Practice Good Hygiene
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching the face, especially the mouth, eyes, and nose.
• Keep surroundings clean to reduce the chances of exposure to pathogens.
7. Stay Vaccinated
• Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens.
• Stay up to date with vaccinations for diseases like influenza, measles, and tetanus.
8. Avoid Harmful Habits
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can weaken immune cells.
• Minimize the intake of processed foods and sugary drinks.
9. Get Adequate Sunlight
• Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, which is vital for immune health.
• Spend 10-15 minutes outdoors daily, especially in the morning.
10. Stay Connected and Happy
• Positive relationships and laughter can reduce stress and boost the immune system.
• Social connections and emotional well-being are linked to better health.
Q4: Explain the process of vaccination and how it contributes to the development of immunity
against specific diseases.
Answer: Vaccination is a medical process designed to protect individuals from specific infectious diseases
by stimulating the immune system to develop immunity. Here's how it works:

1. The Vaccine
A vaccine contains antigens that reproduce the disease-causing microorganism. These antigens
can be presented in various forms:
• Inactivated vaccines: Contain killed pathogens (e.g., polio vaccine).
• Live-attenuated vaccines: Contain weakened forms of the pathogen that cannot cause
disease in healthy individuals (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella vaccine).
• Conjugate vaccines: Contain specific pieces of the pathogen, such as proteins or sugars
(e.g., HPV vaccine).
• mRNA or DNA vaccines: Contain genetic material that instructs cells to produce a
harmless antigen, such as a viral protein (e.g., COVID-19 mRNA vaccines).
• Toxoid vaccines: Contain inactivated toxins produced by bacteria (e.g., tetanus vaccine).
2. Immune System Response
When the vaccine is injected:
1. Recognition: The immune system identifies the antigens in the vaccine as foreign invaders.
2. Activation of Immune Cells:
o B cells: Produce antibodies specific to the antigens.
o T cells: Destroy infected cells and help regulate the immune response.
3. Memory Formation: The immune system develops a "memory" of the antigens by
creating specialized memory B cells and T cells.
3. Immunity Development
• Primary Response: The initial exposure to the vaccine antigens triggers an immune
response, often slower and less intense compared to subsequent exposures.
• Secondary Response: If the individual encounters the actual pathogen in the future,
memory cells quickly recognize and neutralize it, preventing illness or significantly
reducing its severity.