IB MYP Integrated Sciences e-Assessment : Pathogens/parasites Exam Style Practice Questions - New Syllabus
Question (13 marks)
A disease outbreak may occur in a certain geographical area, or may extend over several countries. The outbreak may last for a few days or weeks, or for several years. The World Health Organization also points out that an outbreak can be a re-appearance of a long-absent disease caused by a pathogen. Any suspected outbreak should be reported and investigated.
The graphic shows some different disease outbreaks that have occurred over the years around the world.
Question a (2 marks)
State two ways in which pathogens could enter the body.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: 1. Contact of bodily fluids. For example, sharing needles, because of which blood of an infected person may affect a non-infected one.
2. Contact with toxic and harmful material. This could be sewage, as pathogens are normally present in water products and rubbish materials.
Detailed Solution: Pathogens can enter the body through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or through exposure to contaminated materials such as sewage or polluted water.
Question b (2 marks)
List two differences in structure between bacteria and viruses.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: 1. Bacteria have a cell wall, while viruses do not.
2. Bacteria have DNA and RNA, while viruses only have either DNA or RNA, not both.
Detailed Solution: Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a cell wall and both DNA and RNA, while viruses are not cells and only contain either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat.
Question c (4 marks)
A journalist reported that mainland China had a higher death rate than Hong Kong from this outbreak of SARS. Use the information in the graphs to explain if this report is accurate.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: The report is accurate because the graphs show that mainland China had a higher number of deaths from SARS compared to Hong Kong. This could be due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, population density, or government response.
Detailed Solution: The graphs indicate that mainland China experienced a higher death toll from SARS, likely due to factors such as a larger population, less effective containment measures, or differences in healthcare systems compared to Hong Kong.
Question d (2 marks)
Outline how a disease can move quickly around the world.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A disease can move quickly around the world through international travel, trade, and the movement of people. Air travel, in particular, allows pathogens to spread rapidly across continents.
Detailed Solution: Global travel and trade facilitate the rapid spread of diseases. Infected individuals can carry pathogens to new regions, while contaminated goods can also contribute to the spread.
Question e (3 marks)
Describe the social effects on your local community that could be caused by a worldwide disease outbreak.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Answer: A worldwide disease outbreak could lead to panic, social isolation, and economic disruption in the local community. Schools and businesses may close, and people may avoid public spaces, leading to a breakdown in social interactions and economic activities.
Detailed Solution: The social effects of a pandemic include fear, reduced social interactions, and economic challenges. Communities may experience increased stress, mental health issues, and disruptions to daily life.