Pathogens

Question 1

Define ‘disease’

Answer 1

*Any condition that adversely affects the normal functioning of any part of a living thing.

Question 2

Define ‘infectious’

Answer 2

*A disease caused by an organism or pathogen.

Question 3

Define ‘non-infectious’

Answer 3

*A disease that is not caused by a pathogen and cannot be passed from one person to another.

Question 4

Define a ‘pathogen’

Answer 4

*A disease causing organism or agent.

Question 5

List the cellular pathogens

Answer 5

*Bacteria
*Fungi
*Single Celled Protozoa
*Multicellular ectoparasites and endoparasites

Question 6

List the non-cellular pathogens

Answer 6

*Viruses
*Prions
*Pathogens may be intracellular or extracellular

Question 7

Describe the nature of pathogens

Answer 7

*Pathogens reproduce rapidly in nutrient rich environment of the host

Question 8

How can pathogens damage the host?

Answer 8

*Destroys cells and tissues with enzymes.
*Produces toxins that are harmful to the host.
*Causes the initiation of a debilitating immune system response.

Question 9

What is a toxin?

Answer 9

*A poisonous substance produced within a living organism.
*Toxins are proteins which interact and interfere with cells.

Question 10

Describe the function of anti-pathogenics

Answer 10

*Used to fight bacterial infections
*Produced by other microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.