Protist Diseases - Malaria
Laura Armstrong & Joe Wolfensohn
Teachers
Contents
Recall Questions
This topic requires prior knowledge of pathogens and how infectious diseases are spread.
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease
What is a vector in biology?
A vector is an organism that carries and transmits a pathogen without being affected by it
Name one example of a disease caused by bacteria and one by a virus.
Bacteria: Salmonella; Virus: Measles
Topic Explainer Video
Check out this @JoeDoesBiology video that explains protist diseases- malaria, then read the study notes. Once you’ve gone through them, don’t forget to try the practice questions!
Protist Diseases - Malaria
What is Malaria?
- Malaria is a disease caused by a protist pathogen called the Plasmodium protist. These are often found in areas with higher temperatures like Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, but not the UK.
How Malaria Spreads
- The disease is transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito, which acts as a vector.
- When the mosquito bites a person, it passes the malaria protist into the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Malaria
- Recurrent episodes of fever.
- In severe cases, it can be fatal if not treated.
Preventing the Spread of Malaria
The best way to prevent the spread is to prevent the vector from passing the pathogen to people.
- Prevent mosquito breeding:
- Drain standing and stagnant water, as this is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Use insecticides to kill mosquitoes.
- Prevent mosquito bites:
-
- Use mosquito nets, over windows and around beds.
- Wear long sleeves and use insect repellents.
Scientists developed the first malaria vaccine in 2021.
Malaria can also be treated using an antimalarial drug, but the protist is evolving and developing resistance to it.
Key Terms and Definitions
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Protist |
A type of single-celled eukaryotic organism. |
|
Vector |
An organism that spreads disease without getting the disease itself. |
No answer provided.
Exam Tip
Always state that the mosquito is the vector - not the cause - of malaria. This is a common exam mistake.
No answer provided.
Practice Question
There has been an outbreak of malaria in a town in Senegal. Suggest how the spread of malaria can be controlled. (3 marks)
Model Answer:
- Malaria is spread by mosquitoes which act as vectors.
- Prevent mosquitoes from breeding by removing standing water / using insecticides.
- Prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito nets.
More Practice
Try to answer these practice questions from the TikTok videos on your own, then watch the videos to see how well you did!