Welcome to the world of pharmacology, a realm where science and medicine converge to explore the effects of drugs and substances on living organisms. In the 10th Biology curriculum, Chapter 18 delves into the captivating field of pharmacology, unraveling the intricate interactions between chemicals and biological systems.
Through this chapter, we will embark on a journey to understand how various substances can influence our bodies, from alleviating ailments to enhancing overall well-being. Join us as we delve into the mechanisms, classifications, and responsible usage of drugs, gaining insights into their therapeutic potential and the crucial role they play in modern healthcare practices.
Unit 18 Pharmacology Long Questions
Unit 18 Pharmacology MCQ’s
- 10th Class Pak Study Textbook
- 9th and 10th Class General Science Textbook
- Chapter No. 9 Notes 10th Chemistry
- Biology 10th Class Past Papers
- English Past Papers of 10th Class
Unit 18 Pharmacology Short Questions
What is pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the study of drug composition, properties, and medical applications.
How were early pharmacologists focused in their studies?
Early pharmacologists focused on natural substances, primarily plant extracts.
When did pharmacology develop as a biomedical science?
Pharmacology developed as a biomedical science in the 19th century.
What is a drug?
Any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal body function is known as a drug.
How are drugs broadly classified?
Drugs are broadly classified into two types.
What is a pharmaceutical drug or medicinal drug?
A pharmaceutical drug or medicinal drug is any chemical substance used in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.
What are addictive drugs?
Addictive drugs are substances that can make a person dependent or addicted, causing the user’s body to become familiar with them, leading to difficulties functioning without them.
What is clinical pharmacology?
Clinical pharmacology was present in the Middle Ages and refers to the study of the effects of drugs on living organisms, particularly humans.
What were prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs also known as?
Prescription drugs are sold only on a physician’s prescription, while non-prescription drugs are sold over the counter because they are considered safe enough.
What were pharmacology and pharmacy often confused with?
Pharmacology is often confused with pharmacy, but they are not synonymous. Pharmacy refers to a profession, while pharmacology is the study of drugs.
What were the sources of drugs mentioned in the text?
Drugs are obtained from various sources, including synthetic drugs, plants and fungi, animals, minerals, and bacteria.
How is the antibiotic penicillin obtained?
Penicillin, an antibiotic, is obtained from a fungus called Penicillium notatum.
What is the principle usage of analgesics?
Analgesics are painkillers that reduce pain, such as aspirin and paracetamol.
Who discovered the antibiotic penicillin and from what source?
Sir Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic penicillin from the fungus Penicillium notatum.
What are sedative drugs known for?
Sedative drugs are known for depressing the central nervous system and inducing dizziness, lethargy, slow brain function, and depression.
What can long-term use of sedatives lead to?
Long-term use of sedatives can induce suicidal thoughts.
What are narcotics primarily used for?
Narcotics are primarily used as strong painkillers.
How are narcotics often prescribed?
Narcotics are often prescribed alongside other less potent painkillers like paracetamol or aspirin.
When are narcotics used to relieve pain?
Narcotics are used to relieve pain in patients with chronic diseases like cancer and to manage acute pain after operations.
What is the source of narcotics like morphine and codeine?
Narcotics like morphine and codeine are derived from opium, specifically from the poppy plant.
How does morphine relieve pain?
Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system to relieve pain.
What is a significant risk associated with morphine use?
Morphine has a high potential for addiction.
How might some people abuse narcotics?
Some people might abuse narcotics for their ecstatic effects.
What are antibiotics and how do they work?
Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are produced by or derived from microorganisms. Some antibiotics kill bacteria (bactericidal), while others inhibit their growth (bacteriostatic).
What are the three major groups of antibiotics mentioned in the text? Provide examples.
The three major groups of antibiotics are Cephalosporins, Tetracyclines, and Sulpha Drugs (Sulfonamides). Examples include:
Cephalosporins: Used to treat pneumonia, sore throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis.
Tetracyclines: Used for infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, intestine.
Sulpha Drugs (Sulfonamides): Used to treat pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
How do bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics?
Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through various mechanisms, including internal changes that neutralize the antibiotic’s effects and transferring genes responsible for resistance to other bacteria. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics contribute to the development of resistance.
What is the purpose of vaccines and how do they work?
Vaccines contain weakened or killed pathogens to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies provide immunity to specific diseases by recognizing and fighting off pathogens upon subsequent exposure.
Why is antibiotic resistance a growing concern in medicine?
Antibiotic resistance is a concern because some bacteria become immune to commonly used antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. This can lead to more severe and untreatable infections, posing a threat to public health.
What historical discovery led to the development of vaccines? Who was involved?
In 1796, Edward Jenner discovered that intentional infection with cowpox protected against smallpox. This process, called “vaccination,” used a weakened pathogen to provide immunity. Jenner is credited with this groundbreaking discovery.
How do vaccines stimulate the immune response in the body?
Pathogens contain antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. When a vaccine containing weakened or dead pathogens is introduced into the body, B-lymphocytes recognize them as enemies and produce antibodies. Memory cells are also generated, providing future protection against the same pathogen.
Why might booster shots be necessary for certain vaccines?
Some vaccines provide limited immunity, and over time, the protection they offer may decrease. Booster shots are needed to maintain continuous and effective immunity, especially for diseases like tetanus.
What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?
Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth without directly killing them.
How do “broad-spectrum” and “narrow-spectrum” antibiotics differ in their effectiveness?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics can treat a wide range of bacterial infections, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics are only effective against specific types of bacteria.
What is antibiotic resistance, and what are the factors contributing to its development?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics. Factors contributing to its development include overuse of antibiotics, inappropriate prescribing, and bacterial ability to transfer resistance genes.
How do vaccines provide immunity to specific diseases?
Vaccines contain weakened or killed pathogens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases. These antibodies provide protection upon subsequent exposure to the real pathogen.
Question: What are the sources of drugs? Give examples.
Drugs are obtained from various sources, including
Synthetic Drugs: These are created in laboratories and do not occur naturally. For example, aspirin.
Drugs from Plants and Fungi: Many important medicines are obtained from plants and fungi. For instance, penicillin, an antibiotic, is derived from a fungus. Digitalis, a cardiotonic, is made from the leaves of the foxglove plant.
Drugs from Animals: Drugs obtained from animals often come from their glandular products, such as fish liver oils, musk, and certain hormones.
Drugs from Minerals: Some common drugs are produced from minerals, like tincture of iodine and silver nitrate.
Drugs from Bacteria: Several antibiotics are obtained from bacteria, such as streptomycin.
Question: Write a note on sedatives, narcotics, and hallucinogens.
Sedatives: These drugs depress the central nervous system, inducing dizziness, lethargy, and slow brain function. They reduce irritability and excitement. Long-term use can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Narcotics: Narcotics are strong painkillers. They include morphine and codeine, which are derived from opium poppy. Morphine is used to relieve pain but has a high potential for addiction. Heroin is a semi-synthetic narcotic derived from morphine.
Hallucinogens: These drugs cause changes in perception, thought, emotion, and consciousness. Examples include mescaline from cacti and psilocin from mushrooms. Hallucinogens affect the sympathetic nervous system and can cause physiological changes.
Question: Describe the main groups of antibiotics.
There are three major groups of antibiotics:
Cephalosporins: These are bactericidal antibiotics that interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis. They are used to treat respiratory and throat infections.
Tetracyclines: These are broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. They’re used for various infections but avoided in children during tooth development.
Sulpha Drugs (Sulfonamides): These synthetic antibiotics inhibit folic acid synthesis in bacteria. They are used to treat pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
Question: Write a note on resistance against antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem where bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics. This can occur due to repeated exposure, inappropriate antibiotic use, or improper dosing. Bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective. This poses a significant challenge in treating infections and can lead to the spread of drug-resistant infections.
Question: Describe the mode of action of vaccines.
Vaccines contain weakened or killed pathogens that stimulate the immune response. When introduced into the body, they trigger the production of antibodies by B-lymphocytes. These antibodies remain in the blood and provide protection against future infections with the same pathogen. Memory cells are also produced, allowing the body to mount a rapid immune response if exposed to the actual pathogen later. This process creates immunity without causing the disease itself. Vaccines are typically administered through injections, oral methods, or nasal sprays.
Question: Define pharmacology and distinguish it from pharmacy:
Pharmacology is the study of drug composition, properties, and medical applications, including their effects on living organisms. It involves understanding how drugs work, their interactions with the body, and their therapeutic uses. Pharmacy, on the other hand, is the profession related to the preparation, dispensing, and proper use of medications. Pharmacologists focus on the science behind drugs, while pharmacists are healthcare professionals responsible for ensuring safe and effective medication use.
Question: Differentiate between medicinal drug and addictive drug:
A medicinal drug, also known as a pharmaceutical drug, is a chemical substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of diseases. It is intended to have therapeutic effects on the body and is prescribed by healthcare professionals. An addictive drug, on the other hand, is a substance that, when consumed, can lead to physical or psychological dependence. These drugs often cause cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
Question: Differentiate between analgesic and antibiotic:
An analgesic is a type of drug that is used to relieve pain without necessarily addressing the underlying cause of the pain. It works by reducing pain signals in the nervous system. An antibiotic, on the other hand, is a drug used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria (bactericidal) or inhibiting their growth (bacteriostatic).
Question: What is marijuana? To which category of addictive drugs does it belong?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant-based psychoactive substance that contains compounds such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that can alter perception, mood, and behavior when consumed. It is considered a hallucinogen and falls into the category of addictive drugs, specifically being a hallucinogenic addictive drug.
Question: Differentiate between narcotics and hallucinogens.
Narcotics are a class of drugs that include strong painkillers, such as morphine and codeine, derived from opium. They are used to relieve pain, but some can be addictive. Hallucinogens are drugs that alter perception, mood, and consciousness, often causing hallucinations and distortions in sensory experiences. While narcotics primarily address pain relief, hallucinogens induce altered states of consciousness.