Question 1: Define protists and explain their role as pathogens in humans.

Answer: Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms; some act as pathogens by causing diseases such as malaria, which can impair athletic performance.

Question 2: Describe the life cycle of Plasmodium, the protist responsible for malaria, and how it is transmitted.

Answer: Plasmodium has a complex life cycle involving a mosquito vector and human host. It is transmitted through mosquito bites, where sporozoites enter the bloodstream, infect liver cells, multiply, and then infect red blood cells, causing symptoms. The cycle continues when mosquitoes ingest infected blood.

Question 3: In a sports setting, what are the potential effects of a protist infection like malaria on an athlete’s performance?

Answer: Malaria can cause fever, fatigue, muscle weakness, and anaemia, all of which reduce an athlete's stamina, strength, and overall performance.

Question 4: Explain why developing effective anti-malarial drugs is important for athletes training in endemic regions.

Answer: Effective anti-malarial drugs prevent infection, allowing athletes to train and compete without illness-related performance decline, and help reduce the spread of the disease in endemic regions.

Question 5: Calculate the number of red blood cells infected after a Plasmodium infection if 1,000,000 red blood cells are present and 2% are infected.

Answer: 20000

Question 6: Identify the variables in a practical investigation to test the effectiveness of a new anti-malarial drug on protist infection in red blood cells.

Answer: Independent variable: Type of anti-malarial drug; Dependent variable: Number of infected red blood cells; Controlled variables: Blood sample volume, incubation time, temperature, and initial infection level.

Question 7: List three safety precautions that should be taken when handling protist cultures in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wear protective gloves and lab coat, work in a sterile environment to prevent contamination, and dispose of cultures properly to avoid accidental infection.

Question 8: A scenario: An athlete contracts a parasitic protist in a tropical training camp. Describe the possible symptoms they might experience and how these could impact their training schedule.

Answer: Symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms can lead to missed training sessions, decreased stamina, and overall reduced athletic performance, potentially delaying competition schedules.

Question 9: What are some strategies sports organisations can implement to reduce the risk of protist infections among athletes?

Answer: Providing education on personal hygiene, using insect repellent and protective clothing, ensuring access to medical advice and anti-malarial prophylactics, and controlling mosquito populations in training areas.

Question 10: Discuss the ethical considerations in developing and distributing anti-malarial drugs for athletes in different regions.

Answer: Ethical considerations include ensuring equitable access to medications, avoiding exploitation of populations in endemic areas, considering potential side effects and drug resistance, and balancing commercial interests with public health needs to prevent disparities.