5.4 - Pathogens Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is an organism which causes disease.
How do pathogens spread?
Pathogens can infect plants or animals, spreading through direct contact, by water, or by air.
What are the main types of pathogens?
The main types of pathogens are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists.
What are the characteristics of viruses?
Viruses are very small and move into cells to make copies of themselves, leading to cell damage.
What happens when a virus replicates?
The cell bursts, releasing copies of the virus into the bloodstream, causing illness.
What are the characteristics of bacteria?
Bacteria are small and multiply quickly through binary fission, producing toxins that can damage cells.
What are the characteristics of fungi?
Fungi can be single-celled or have a body made of hyphae and can produce spores to spread.
What are protists?
Protists are a type of pathogen that can be parasitic, using humans and animals as hosts.
Name a disease caused by a pathogen.
Cholera is a disease caused by a pathogen.
Name another disease caused by a pathogen.
Tuberculosis is another disease caused by a pathogen.
What is Chalara ash dieback?
Chalara ash dieback is a disease caused by a pathogen.
