Year 10 Biology: Smoking, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Photosynthesis

Introduction

Hello, students! Today, we will be discussing three important topics in biology: Smoking, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Photosynthesis. Let’s break these down into simple ideas so you can understand them better.

Smoking

What is Smoking?

Smoking is when people inhale smoke from burning tobacco. This is usually done through cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

Why is Smoking Harmful?

• Chemicals: Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including nicotine (which is addictive), tar (which can coat the lungs), and carbon monoxide (which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood).
• Health Risks: Smoking can lead to serious health problems, such as:
  • Lung cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory problems (like asthma)

Tips to Avoid Smoking

1. Stay Informed: Learn about the dangers of smoking.
2. Choose Friends Wisely: Surround yourself with non-smokers.
3. Find Alternatives: If you’re stressed, try sports or hobbies instead of smoking.

Non-Communicable Diseases

What are Non-Communicable Diseases?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are health conditions that cannot be spread from person to person. They are often chronic (long-lasting) and can be caused by lifestyle choices.

Examples of Non-Communicable Diseases

1. Heart Disease: Caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.
2. Diabetes: Can be related to obesity and diet.
3. Cancer: Certain types can be linked to smoking, poor diet, or exposure to harmful substances.

How to Reduce the Risk of NCDs

• Healthy Eating: Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
• Avoid Smoking: Don’t start smoking, and avoid second-hand smoke.

Photosynthesis

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to make their own food. They take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, and with the help of sunlight, they produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.

The Photosynthesis Equation

The general equation for photosynthesis is:

$$

6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

$$

This means:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) + Water (H₂O) + Light Energy results in Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + Oxygen (O₂).

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Food Source: It provides food for plants, which are the base of the food chain.
• Oxygen Production: It produces oxygen, which is essential for humans and animals to breathe.

Tips to Understand Photosynthesis

1. Visual Aid: Draw the photosynthesis process. Include sunlight, water, CO₂, and the products.
2. Experiment: Try growing a plant and observe how it grows in sunlight versus the dark.

Questions

Easy Level Questions (20)

1. What does smoking involve?
2. Name one harmful chemical in cigarette smoke.
3. What is a non-communicable disease?
4. Give an example of a non-communicable disease.
5. Can non-communicable diseases be passed from one person to another? (Yes/No)
6. What is photosynthesis?
7. Which part of the plant is primarily responsible for photosynthesis?
8. Name a product of photosynthesis.
9. What do plants need for photosynthesis? (List two)
10. Why is smoking harmful to health?
11. What is nicotine?
12. How can you avoid smoking?
13. What can cause heart disease?
14. What is one way to reduce the risk of diabetes?
15. What gas do plants take in during photosynthesis?
16. What is the main source of energy for photosynthesis?
17. Name one benefit of photosynthesis.
18. What do plants produce as a by-product of photosynthesis?
19. How does exercise help reduce the risk of NCDs?
20. Why should you avoid second-hand smoke?

Medium Level Questions (20)

1. Explain how smoking affects the lungs.
2. What are two long-term effects of smoking?
3. How does a poor diet contribute to non-communicable diseases?
4. Describe the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
5. What is the significance of glucose for plants?
6. What lifestyle choices can help prevent heart disease?
7. Why is it important to eat fruits and vegetables?
8. How does carbon monoxide impact the body?
9. Describe the photosynthesis equation in words.
10. How does exercise help in preventing NCDs?
11. Name two types of cancers linked to smoking.
12. How do plants release oxygen?
13. What is the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases?
14. How does photosynthesis affect the food chain?
15. What is the role of sunlight in photosynthesis?
16. Why is it important for the environment that plants photosynthesize?
17. How does smoking impact the circulatory system?
18. Explain the term “chronic disease.”
19. What are some symptoms of respiratory disease caused by smoking?
20. How can community programs help reduce smoking rates?

Hard Level Questions (20)

1. Discuss the impact of smoking on global health.
2. Compare the rates of NCDs in smokers versus non-smokers.
3. Explain how smoking can lead to multiple diseases.
4. Describe the biochemical process of photosynthesis in detail.
5. How does deforestation affect photosynthesis on a large scale?
6. Explain the concept of “second-hand smoke” and its effects.
7. What role do stomata play in photosynthesis?
8. Discuss the relationship between lifestyle choices and the prevalence of diabetes.
9. How can public health policies reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases?
10. Describe the process of cellular respiration and its relationship to photosynthesis.
11. Explain how smoking is linked to genetic mutations and cancer.
12. Discuss the importance of photosynthesis in ecosystems.
13. How can technology be used to help reduce smoking?
14. What are the economic impacts of smoking-related diseases?
15. Explain how climate change can affect photosynthesis.
16. Compare the photosynthesis rates of different types of plants.
17. How do non-communicable diseases affect healthcare systems?
18. Discuss the role of education in preventing smoking.
19. How do environmental factors influence the rate of photosynthesis?
20. Evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Smoking involves inhaling smoke from burning tobacco.
2. One harmful chemical in cigarette smoke is nicotine.
3. A non-communicable disease is a disease that cannot be spread from person to person.
4. An example of a non-communicable disease is heart disease.
5. No
6. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food using sunlight.
7. The leaves of the plant are primarily responsible for photosynthesis.
8. One product of photosynthesis is glucose.
9. Plants need sunlight and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
10. Smoking is harmful because it leads to serious health problems.
11. Nicotine is an addictive chemical found in tobacco.
12. You can avoid smoking by staying informed and choosing friends wisely.
13. Poor diet and lack of exercise can cause heart disease.
14. Eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
15. Plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
16. The main source of energy for photosynthesis is sunlight.
17. One benefit of photosynthesis is that it produces oxygen.
18. Plants produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis.
19. Exercise helps reduce the risk of NCDs by maintaining a healthy weight.
20. You should avoid second-hand smoke because it can harm your health too.

Medium Level Answers

1. Smoking damages lung tissue and reduces lung function.
2. Two long-term effects of smoking are chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
3. A poor diet can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of NCDs.
4. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis.
5. Glucose is essential for plants as it serves as energy and building material.
6. Lifestyle choices like regular exercise and healthy eating can prevent heart disease.
7. Eating fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients and fibre.
8. Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
9. The equation for photosynthesis is “Carbon Dioxide + Water + Light Energy = Glucose + Oxygen.”
10. Exercise helps in preventing NCDs by improving overall health and fitness.
11. Two types of cancers linked to smoking are lung cancer and throat cancer.
12. Plants release oxygen through small openings called stomata.
13. Communicable diseases can be spread, while non-communicable diseases cannot.
14. Photosynthesis is essential for food production in the food chain.
15. Sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur.
16. Photosynthesis is important for the environment because it produces oxygen and absorbs CO₂.
17. Smoking can lead to heart disease and poor circulation.
18. A chronic disease is one that lasts a long time, often for life.
19. Symptoms of respiratory disease caused by smoking include coughing and shortness of breath.
20. Community programs can provide support and resources to help reduce smoking rates.

Hard Level Answers

1. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases worldwide, impacting health systems and economies.
2. Smokers have a higher risk of developing NCDs compared to non-smokers due to the harmful effects of tobacco.
3. Smoking can lead to diseases by damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancers and other conditions.
4. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, where light energy is converted into chemical energy stored in glucose.
5. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can perform photosynthesis, affecting oxygen levels and ecosystems.
6. Second-hand smoke contains harmful chemicals and can cause health issues in non-smokers, especially children.
7. Stomata allow for the exchange of gases, enabling plants to take in CO₂ and release O₂ during photosynthesis.
8. Lifestyle choices like poor diet and lack of exercise increase the risk of developing diabetes.
9. Public health policies can include smoking bans and educational campaigns to reduce NCDs.
10. Cellular respiration uses the glucose produced in photosynthesis to release energy for the plant.
11. Smoking can cause genetic mutations that lead to cancer by damaging the DNA in cells.
12. Photosynthesis is crucial for maintaining ecosystems as it supports the food web and oxygen supply.
13. Technology, such as apps and online resources, can provide support for those trying to quit smoking.
14. Smoking-related diseases cost healthcare systems billions of pounds in treatment and lost productivity.
15. Climate change can affect photosynthesis by altering temperatures and CO₂ levels, impacting plant growth.
16. The rate of photosynthesis varies among plants depending on their environment, light availability, and type of chlorophyll.
17. Non-communicable diseases place a significant burden on healthcare systems due to long-term treatment needs.
18. Education can raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and promote healthier choices.
19. Environmental factors like light intensity, temperature, and availability of water influence photosynthesis rates.
20. Smoking cessation programs can provide guidance, support, and resources to help individuals quit smoking successfully.

Feel free to ask questions if you need any further clarification on these topics!