Pathogens - mode of action Flashcards
How do viruses destroy cells?
take over cell metaobilism
viral genetic material gets into host cell and is inserted into the hosts DNA
the virus then uses the host cell to make new viruses which then burst out the cell, destroying it and then spread to infect other cells
How do protocistas destroy cells?
take over cells - break them open as the new generation emerge
they don’t take over genetic material
the digest and use the cells contents as they produce
How do fungi destory cells?
they digest living cells
this combines with the respone of the body to the damage caused by fungi gives the symptoms of disease
How do bacteria damage cells?
most produce toxins that poisonn or damage the host cells, in some ways, causing disease
some break down the cell memebranes, some damage or inactivate enzymes and some interfere with the host genetic material, so the cells cannot divide
these are a by-product of the normal functioning bacteria
What other type of organims produces toxins?
some fungi produce toxins which affect the host cells
