In which way has the study of biology helped us to control infectious diseases?
The study of biology has helped us control infectious diseases in several significant ways:
Vaccines and Immunisation: The use of vaccines and immunisation programmes have enabled us to completely eradicate deadly diseases like smallpox. Many other infectious diseases such as polio, diphtheria, pneumonia and tetanus have been controlled to a large extent through vaccines. Biotechnology is also helping develop newer and safer vaccines.
Discovery of Antibiotics and Drugs: The discovery of antibiotics and various other drugs has enabled us to effectively treat infectious diseases, changing medical practice and improving human health significantly.
Understanding the Immune System: Our knowledge of immunity has helped us understand how the body defends itself from foreign agents. The innate defences like skin, mucous membranes, antimicrobial substances in tears and saliva, and phagocytic cells help block the entry of pathogens into our body.
Vector Control Measures: Biology has helped us understand disease transmission. For vector-borne diseases like malaria and filariasis, control measures include avoiding stagnation of water, regular cleaning of household coolers, using mosquito nets, introducing fishes like Gambusia in ponds, spraying insecticides, and using wire mesh on doors and windows.
Public Health Measures: Proper disposal of waste, decontamination of drinking water, and immunisation programmes have been very helpful in preventing infectious diseases.
Explanation
This question is from Chapter 7 (Human Health and Disease) of the NCERT textbook. The answer should cover multiple ways biology has contributed to disease control: vaccines/immunisation, antibiotics/drugs, understanding of immune system, vector control, and public health measures. The context explicitly mentions smallpox eradication, control of polio/diphtheria/pneumonia/tetanus through vaccines, antibiotics discovery, innate defences, and various vector control strategies like Gambusia fish and avoiding water stagnation.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify key areas where biology has helped - vaccines, drugs, immunity, vector control, and public health
Step 2: For each area, extract specific examples from the context (smallpox eradication, polio control, Gambusia fish, etc.)
Step 3: Organize into 4-5 paragraphs with proper paragraph breaks as required for 5-mark answer
Step 4: Use bold formatting for key biological terms to highlight important concepts