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Describe two ways the body prevents the entry of microorganisms - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 11 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 11
Describe two ways the body prevents the entry of microorganisms. 1. 2. In 2014 the Ebola virus killed almost 8000 people in Africa. Drug companies have developed ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe two ways the body prevents the entry of microorganisms - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 11 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two ways the body prevents the entry of microorganisms.
Answer
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Skin Barrier: The skin acts as a physical barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body. It is the first line of defense against environmental threats.
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Mucus in the Trachea: The trachea and bronchi produce mucus which traps pathogens. This mucus can then be expelled from the body through coughing or swallowing.
Step 2
Explain what testing must be done before this new drug can be used to treat people.
Answer
Before the new drug can be used to treat people, several essential testing phases must be conducted:
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Pre-clinical Trials: Testing should first occur in the laboratory and on animal models to assess the drug's toxicity and efficacy. This step helps to determine safe dosage levels and potential side effects.
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Clinical Trials: If pre-clinical trials are successful, human trials are necessary. Initially, these trials often involve healthy volunteers to test safety and monitor for any adverse reactions.
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Randomized Control Trials: Following initial safety assessments, larger groups, including Ebola patients, may be used to test the drug's effectiveness. This phase typically includes a control group receiving either a placebo or the new drug in order to establish a clear conclusion about its efficacy.
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Data Analysis: It’s crucial to collect and analyze data from the clinical trials to monitor the drug’s performance, ensuring it is both effective and safe for the targeted population.
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Regulatory Approval: After all testing phases, the data must be submitted to regulatory authorities to obtain approval for public use, ensuring that the drug meets safety and efficacy standards.