Study Notes
Medicinal drugs are substances used to treat symptoms or causes of diseases. Antibiotics — chemical substances made by fungi or bacteria that disrupt bacterial cell functions or reproduction. Example: Penicillin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria causing infections. Alcohol — a depressant drug that slows down nerve and brain signals. Example: Ethanol in alcoholic drinks can cause liver damage with excessive consumption. Heroin — a powerful depressant drug that reduces pain and slows breathing. Example: Heroin is highly addictive and can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Smoking — involves inhaling tobacco smoke, which contains harmful chemicals. Example: Nicotine in cigarettes is addictive and can lead to coronary heart disease. Performance Enhancing Drugs — substances taken to improve athletic performance. Example: Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass but have serious side effects.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Antibiotics: Substances that kill bacteria but do not affect viruses.
- Alcohol: A depressant drug that slows down brain activity.
- Heroin: A depressant drug that is highly addictive and affects the nervous system.
- Smoking: Inhaling tobacco smoke that contains harmful chemicals like nicotine and tar.
- Performance Enhancing Drugs: Substances like anabolic steroids used to improve athletic performance.
Common Confusions
- Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
- Not all drugs are addictive; medicinal drugs are used for treatment.
Typical Exam Questions
- Why don't antibiotics affect viruses? Antibiotics target bacterial cell functions, which viruses do not have.
- What are the effects of excessive alcohol consumption? It can cause liver damage and addiction.
- How does smoking affect the gas exchange system? It damages the lungs and reduces oxygen capacity due to carbon monoxide.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of antibiotic resistance and its causes.
- Effects of alcohol and smoking on the body.
- The role of performance-enhancing drugs and their side effects.