The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Higher

What is a disease risk factor?

Something associated with an increased chance or rate of a disease.

What kinds of things can be disease risk factors?

Lifestyle aspects, such as diet or smoking, and substances present in the body or environment.

Does an association between a risk factor and a disease establish causation?

No. Some risk factors have demonstrated causal mechanisms; others are associated with disease without a proven cause-and-effect mechanism.

How can several factors contribute to a disease?

They can interact to cause disease, rather than the disease having a single cause.

How can lifestyle and environmental risks contribute to differences in disease incidence between populations?

Populations can differ in their exposure to these risks.

Does exposure to a risk factor mean a person will develop the disease?

No. A risk factor increases the probability of disease but does not make it certain.

What is sampling in a population study?

Using a subset of a population to investigate patterns that may apply to the wider population.

Why should a sample be large enough in a risk-factor study?

To reduce the effect of chance variation.

What should sample selection aim to achieve in a risk-factor study?

The sample should represent the population being studied.

How does random selection affect selection bias and representativeness?

It can reduce selection bias, but does not guarantee a representative sample.

How can systematic differences between a sample and the wider population affect a risk-factor study?

They can make estimates of exposure or disease frequency misleading.

How can lifestyle choices affect the risk of coronary artery blockage?

Food and physical activity choices can lower the chance of a blockage developing.

How can a healthy diet help reduce coronary heart disease risk?

By reducing excessive fat intake and helping maintain a healthy body mass, it can help prevent conditions that strain the heart and blood vessels.

How can regular exercise help reduce coronary heart disease risk?

It helps the circulatory system work efficiently, improves fitness and reduces problems associated with inactivity.

How is obesity related to the risk of Type 2 diabetes?

Obesity increases the risk, but does not make Type 2 diabetes inevitable; other factors also contribute.

How does excess body fat affect the risk of insulin resistance?

It increases the risk of insulin resistance.

How do body cells respond to insulin in Type 2 diabetes?

They become less responsive to insulin.

What effect does reduced insulin responsiveness have on blood glucose regulation?

Glucose uptake is less effectively regulated, so blood glucose concentration can remain too high.

Which four abilities can alcohol impair while it is acting on the brain?

Judgement, coordination, reaction time and memory.

What can prolonged heavy drinking do to the brain?

It can damage the brain and cause longer-lasting problems with its function.

What consumption-related factor partly determines the extent of alcohol impairment?

The amount of alcohol consumed.

How does tobacco smoke damage to cilia affect the airways?

Cilia clear mucus. When they are damaged, mucus can accumulate and infections become more likely.

What inflammatory effect does tobacco smoke have on the airways?

It causes airway inflammation.

How does tobacco smoke damage to alveoli affect gas exchange?

Damage to alveolar walls reduces the surface area available for gas exchange.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to which smoking-related lung damage can contribute?

A disease in which breathing becomes difficult and airflow is persistently restricted.

What is a carcinogen?

An agent that increases the risk of cancer.

How can a carcinogen cause a tumour to form?

It can damage DNA and cause mutations in genes controlling cell division. Disrupted control may lead to uncontrolled cell division and a tumour.

Why is ionising radiation a carcinogen?

It can damage DNA.

How is smoking linked to lung cancer risk?

Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic chemicals, and smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.

Does exposure to a carcinogen guarantee that cancer will develop?

No. Exposure increases the risk but does not guarantee cancer.

How does carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke affect oxygen transport during pregnancy?

It reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood.

How can nicotine affect blood flow to the placenta?

It can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the placenta.

How can a reduced oxygen and nutrient supply affect fetal growth?

It can restrict fetal growth.

What three birth outcomes are more likely when someone smokes during pregnancy?

Low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirth. These are increased risks, not certainties.

How can alcohol consumed during pregnancy reach the developing baby?

It can cross the placenta.

How can alcohol affect development during pregnancy?

It can interfere with normal development, including brain development.

Which group of disorders is linked to alcohol exposure during pregnancy?

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; alcohol exposure increases their risk.

What effects can prenatal alcohol exposure have on growth and functioning?

Impaired growth and lasting difficulties with learning, behaviour or coordination.

Are the effects of drinking during pregnancy the same in every case?

No. The effects and their severity vary.

What does each point on a scatter diagram represent?

A pair of numerical values for two variables.

What three correlation patterns can a scatter diagram show?

• Positive: one variable tends to increase as the other increases.
• Negative: one variable tends to decrease as the other increases.
• No clear correlation.

Why does a correlation between a risk factor and disease frequency not by itself prove causation?

It shows an association, but other factors may contribute to the disease.