Examples of pathogens: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites

📚 Quick Study Guide

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• Viruses: Non-cellular entities containing genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. They require a host cell to replicate.
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• Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotic organisms with a cell wall. They reproduce through binary fission and can cause infections by releasing toxins or directly invading tissues.
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• Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms with cell walls made of chitin. They can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds) and cause infections through spores or direct contact.
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• Parasites: Organisms that live on or in a host organism and obtain nutrients at the host's expense. They can be protozoa (single-celled) or helminths (multicellular worms).
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• Key concept: Pathogenicity refers to the ability of a pathogen to cause disease. Virulence is the degree of pathogenicity.
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• Infection: Occurs when pathogens enter the body and multiply, leading to a disease.
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• Transmission: The spread of pathogens from one host to another, which can occur through various routes, including direct contact, airborne droplets, contaminated food or water, and vectors (e.g., mosquitoes).

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a non-cellular pathogen?
   1. Bacteria
   2. Fungi
   3. Virus
   4. Parasite
2. Which of these pathogens is a single-celled prokaryotic organism?
   1. Virus
   2. Bacteria
   3. Fungi
   4. Parasite
3. Which of the following pathogens has a cell wall made of chitin?
   1. Virus
   2. Bacteria
   3. Fungi
   4. Parasite
4. Malaria is caused by which type of pathogen?
   1. Virus
   2. Bacteria
   3. Fungi
   4. Parasite
5. Which process do bacteria use to reproduce?
   1. Mitosis
   2. Meiosis
   3. Binary Fission
   4. Spore Formation
6. Athlete's foot is a common infection caused by which type of pathogen?
   1. Virus
   2. Bacteria
   3. Fungi
   4. Parasite
7. What term describes the degree to which a pathogen can cause disease?
   1. Pathogenicity
   2. Virulence
   3. Infection
   4. Transmission