Types of Pathogens Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
An organism that causes disease
What is a host?
The organism in which a pathogen lives in
What are the four types of pathogens?
Bacteria (a prokaryote) , fungi, protoctist and virus
How do bacteria cause disease?
Reproduce rapidly
Cause disease by damaging cells or by releasing waste products/toxins which are toxic to the host
How do fungi cause disease?
Hyphae are each of the branching filaments that make up the mycelium of a fungus
They release enzymes and spores
How do viruses cause disease?
Invade cells and take over the genetic machinery and other organelles of the cell
They cause the cell to make copies of the virus
The host cell bursts and the virus infects other cells
How to protoctists cause disease?
Enter host cells and feed on the contents as they grow
What are examples of bacterial pathogens?
Tuberculosis - kills cells and tissue in the body, especially the lungs
Bacterial meningitis - the membrane around the brain and spinal cord becomes swollen and may damage the brain and nerves
Ring rot - ring of decay in the vascular tissue of a potato tuber or tomato
Examples of viral pathogens
HIV/AIDS - attacks cells in the immune system
Influenza - attacks respiratory system and causes muscle pain and headaches
Tobacco mosaic virus - causes mottling and discolouration of leaves
What are examples of fungal pathogens?
Black Sigatoka - causes leaf spots on banana plants, reducing yield
Athlete’s foot - growth under skin of feet, especially between toes
Ringworm in cattle - growth of fungus in skin with spore causes erupting through skin to cause a rash
What are examples of protoctist pathogens?
Blight in potatoes and tomatoes - affects leaves and potato tubers
Malaria - parasite in the blood that causes headache and fever and may progress to coma and death
