Fig. 1 shows the skin between the toes of a swimmer who has athlete's foot after using a changing-room floor without sandals. The condition is itchy and can...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows the skin between the toes of a swimmer who has athlete's foot after using a changing-room floor without sandals. The condition is itchy and can spread in damp communal areas.
(a) Name the group of pathogens that causes athlete's foot. [1]
(b) Describe how the disease could spread from this swimmer to another person in the changing room. [2]
(c) Explain why drying feet thoroughly and wearing sandals could reduce spread of the disease. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus [1].
(b) Fungal cells or spores may be left on the damp changing-room floor by the swimmer [1]. Another person can acquire the fungus when their feet contact that contaminated floor [1].
(c) Drying feet removes the damp conditions needed for fungal growth [1]. Sandals prevent direct contact between feet and a contaminated floor [1], reducing transfer of fungal spores.
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