(VAB) Effects on Humans Lesson
In a Toxic Relationship?
Did you know that there are millions to trillions of cells in the human body? We are host to many bacteria. “How many”, you ask?
There are ten times as many bacteria as there are human cells!
Most of you know that bacteria can make you sick, but there are many ways bacteria help you and the environment.
As you move through this lesson, you will learn how bacteria play very important roles in our lives.
Let's Start With Harmful Bacteria
When harmful bacteria infect you, your immune system goes to work attacking the invaders. This may result in a fever. Bacteria can cause temporary illness or disease (if your body cells are damaged) as a result of the infection. Some bacteria release toxins that damage tissues and/or our immune systems.
One of the most dangerous bacterial toxins is found in Clostridium botulinum . This bacterium produces a lethal neurotoxin at very low doses, causing botulism, which leads to paralysis and possibly death.
Food that is inadequately heated or preserved can contain C.botulinum spores that thrive in vacuum-sealed cans or jars. These bacteria may live underneath the soil and be accidentally introduced into the cans during harvest. Home-canned foods prepared inappropriately are the culprit of many cases of botulism each year. There are other sources as well.
The Hostess with the Mostest
Don't Worry! There are Ways You Can Control Some Bacteria BEFORE it Enters Your Body!
Serendipity
Serendipity means accidental discovery that has a beneficial effect.
Alexander Fleming, a Scottish-born scientist, discovered one of the first mass-produced antibiotics, Penicillin almost accidentally. Watch the video, "The Discovery of Penicillin" below:
Now that you have watched the video - try and answer the following questions:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are chemicals that are used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics can harm bacteria by interfering with their growth, DNA replication, cell wall, enzymes, or even protein synthesis. Antibiotics can also vary in how specific or broad their reach is. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, like Amoxicillin, can kill a number of types of bacteria, provided they are not already resistant. Other antibiotics are specific to gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria.
Click on each Benefit of Bacteria below to learn more:
Challenge and Before You Go
Practice Time! Use the knowledge you learned from the lesson to complete the practice activities below.
Before You Go - You Need To Know
- How are some bacteria harmful?
- Many are pathogens, which means they can cause disease.
- How are some bacteria helpful?
- Decomposers, fix nitrogen, make food, live in our intestines, and make medicine
- How can harmful bacteria be killed?
- Pasteurization, sterilization, antimicrobial chemicals, UV radiation, hand washing, and antibiotics
IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS (FREEPIK)