Bacteria
The majority of bacterial species exist as single-celled forms,
but some occur as filaments of closely jointed cells. The bacterial cell has a
cell membrane. The cytoplasm of bacterial cells contains granules of glycogen,
protein and fat and lacks mitochondria and an endoplasmic reticulum.
Viruses
Viruses are extremely small submicroscopic viruses that multiply
only inside living cells. Its structure is a sort of RNA core surrounded by
a protein sheath. They do not have any cytoplasm.
Communicable diseases
Cholera – Vibrio cholere
Dysentery – Entameoba histolytic
Polio – Poliovirus
Intestinal worms – Taenia solium
Non-communicable
diseases
Diabetes – defects in the synthesis of insulin from B cells
of Langerhans.
Strokes – disturbance of cerebral function due to inadequate
occlusion or rupture of the arteries.
Coronary Heart disease – impairment of heart function due to
inadequate blood flow to the heart.
The fundamental concepts of Medical
Chemistry
Diseases
Congenital disease
Congenital diseases occur by birth itself. For example color
blindness, Haemophilia, mongolism.
Acquired disease
Acquired diseases are acquired after birth. For example
cancer, infection, allergies.
Communicable disease
These diseases are transmitted by contact. For example
leprosy, and AIDS.
Bacterial disease
Diphtheria, tetanus, plague, Typhoid, TB, cholera, and leprosy are
bacterial diseases.
Diseases spread by
virus
Measles, influenza, polio, rabies etc are vital diseases.
Diseases spread by
protozoan
Dysentery, amoebiosis, Malaria etc. are the diseases spread
by protozoan.
Degenerative disease
These diseases are due to the degeneration of some of the
parts of our body.
Allergy
Allergy is a condition in which a person reacts in a
hypersensitive manner to any substance. It may affect the skin and mucous
membranes and may cause fever and asthma. During allergy, histamine is the
product produced in our blood vessels.
Replacement drugs
The substance that replaces the hormone or compound that is in short
supply in a particular patient system is called a replacement drug.
Insulin
Thyroxine
Artificial drugs
Artificial drugs are to kill microorganisms. It acts as a natural defence. It is more toxic to an invader. For example, Penicillin.
Stimulant and depressions
It is to stimulate or depress the action of cells in the
body. Ethyl ether, ethanol and barbiturates are examples of general
depressants of the nervous system.
Addiction
A psychological and physiological dependence on the drug is
called addiction. For example Heroine or morphine
Analgesics
These drugs are relieving pain. For example latex of opium
plant.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the metabolic products from some specific
organism. These drugs kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
For example, Penicillin, ampicillin, streptomycin,
chloromycetin, tetracycline, cholom phenicol.
Antidepressant
These drugs improve the working efficiency of man in a
depressed mood. They produce a feeling of well-being and self-confidence. Cocaine,
Benzedrine or Amphetamine.
Antipyretics
These drugs bring down our body temperature. For example
aspirin, paracetamol and novalgin.
Antiseptic
These drugs are to kill microorganisms in our living tissue. For
example phenol 0.2%, Bithinol added to soap and acriflavine.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants kill microorganisms. But they are applied to
inanimate objects like floors, drains and public bathrooms, for example, phenol 1%
and chlorine 0.2 to 0.4%.
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