Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 6: Microbial Infection Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 6: Microbial Infection, with mark schemes. Covers bacterial and viral structure, TB and HIV infections and how pathogens evade the immune system.
Topic 6: Microbial Infection exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics, including Topic 6: Microbial Infection. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 6: Microbial Infection
This part of Topic 6 covers how pathogens cause disease. TB and HIV are the key examples.
What you need to know
- Bacteria and viruses Structure and the difference between bacterial and viral replication.
- Tuberculosis Spread, infection of lungs, granulomas and symptoms.
- HIV Infection of T helper cells, latency and progression to AIDS.
- Evading the immune system Antigenic variability and hiding inside cells.
Common mistakes in Topic 6: Microbial Infection
- Saying antibiotics kill viruses.
- Confusing HIV with AIDS.
- Mixing up the lytic and latent stages.
Try three Topic 6: Microbial Infection exam-style questions
1. Explain why antibiotics are not effective against viruses. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Antibiotics target bacterial structures such as cell walls (1), which viruses do not have (1).
2. Explain how HIV leads to AIDS. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
HIV infects and destroys T helper cells (1); the immune system weakens (1), so opportunistic infections develop (1).
3. Explain one way TB evades the immune system. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
TB bacteria survive inside macrophages (1), avoiding detection by antibodies (1).
Topic 6: Microbial Infection FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 6 cover?
Bacterial and viral structure, TB, HIV and immune evasion.
Do I need viral replication?
Yes, including the lytic and latent stages.
How does TB spread?
Through droplets in the air from infected people.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
