1.2.6

Pathogens

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Pathogens

Most microorganisms are harmless and cover our bodies inside and out. However, there are some microorganisms that cause disease; these are called pathogens. There are four main types of pathogen:

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Viruses

  • Viruses are tiny, non-living (do not contain cells) particles that can reproduce rapidly within any other living organism.
  • An example of a plant virus is tobacco mosaic virus.
  • Examples of human viruses are HIV and the flu virus.
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Bacteria

  • Bacteria are small living cells that either damage cells directly or by producing toxins (poisons).
  • Pneumococcus bacteria cause pneumonia.
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Fungi

  • Fungi can be uni (single) or multicellular and are made up of hyphae (thread-like structures).
  • The hyphae are able to grow and penetrate tissues, such as human skin or the surface of plants.
  • Athlete's foot is caused by fungi.
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Protoctists

  • Protoctists are single-celled eukaryotic organisms (they have a nucleus).
  • They are often transferred to the host organism by a vector, such as an insect or mosquito.
  • Plasmodium is a protoctist, spread by mosquitoes, that causes malaria.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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