pathogens Flashcards
what are pathogens
microorganisms that cause infectious disease
name 4 examples of pathogens
bacteria
virus
protists
fungi
how do bacteria make us ill?
once inside the human body, bacteria can reproduce very rapidly
they then produce harmful chemicals called toxins which damage tissue and make us feel ill
under ideal conditions how rapid can bacteria divide?
every 20mins
what is the harmful chemical produced by bacteria called and what does it do
toxins
they damage tissue and make us feel ill
how are viruses different to bacteria?
viruses can not reproduce themselves. they can only reproduce inside a host cell
describe how a virus can reproduce inside a human cell
first the virus invaded the host cell
the virus reproduces inside the host cell
how can a virus be damaging to the cell?
when the virus leaves the cell, it can cause the cell to burst open and die.
name 3 ways pathogens are usually spread by.
in the air, eg in water droplets(sneezing eg)
directly in water (eg cholera)
direct contact between individuals (sharing of infected needles) (sexual contact)
pathogens can be spread in the air, name examples of this
sneezing
coughing
pathogens can be spread in water
name an example of this
cholera, it spreads when drinking water polluted by sewage
name examples of how some pathogens are spread by direct contact of individuals
HIV
sharing of infected needles
name ways that germs can get through the body
mouth
eyes
genitals
eyes
what ways can a pathogen enter the body by the mouth?
eating, drinking, breathing
what are some ways that reduce the spread of pathogens
- washing ur hands before eating
- providing people with clean drinking water
- condoms
- isolating (highly infectious diseases)
- vaccination
