9700 · 10.1
Common exam mistakes on 9700 Infectious diseases. Learn what loses marks, then practise the topic with Examiner’s Ink.
When describing pathogen types, always mention their key structural features (e.g., prokaryotic for bacteria, capsid for viruses) and how they reproduce or cause harm. For transmission, be specific: distinguish between 'airborne' (long-distance aerosols) and 'droplet' (short-distance large droplets) for respiratory diseases. Don't just list modes; explain how they lead to infection, using examples like malaria or cholera.
An infectious disease, covered extensively in our free Cambridge 9700 Biology course, is caused by a pathogen and can be transmitted between hosts (e.g., influenza, malaria). A non-infectious disease is not caused by a pathogen and cannot be transmitted; it often results from genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). Mastering these definitions is key for your P1 and P2 exams, especially when tackling past papers.
A simple mnemonic might be 'VPFB' – Viruses, Protoctista, Fungi, and Bacteria. Focus on their defining characteristics: Viruses are non-cellular parasites, Bacteria are prokaryotic cells, Protoctista are eukaryotic single cells, and Fungi are eukaryotic with hyphae or as yeasts. Practice differentiating them in exam questions to solidify your understanding.
Understanding transmission modes is crucial because effective disease control strategies directly target these pathways. If a disease is spread by a vector (like malaria), controlling the vector (e.g., mosquito nets) is vital. If it's water-borne (like cholera), ensuring a clean water supply is the priority. Our revision lessons, coupled with past paper practice, help you link transmission methods to practical prevention measures for optimal exam performance.