GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Pathogens

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Infection and Response Communicable Diseases

Pathogens

3:00 Pathogens and Infectious Diseases
Spec 4.3.1.1
Previous Investigating Transpiration Rate Next How Diseases Spread
  • Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious diseases.
  • Microorganisms are organisms visible under a microscope.
  • Tissue samples are examined under a microscope to observe microorganisms.
  • Infectious diseases are caused by organisms that can be transmitted.
  • Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi.
  • The sizes of these pathogens are not to scale in diagrams, but relative to each other, with viruses being the smallest.
  • Viruses and bacteria can reproduce rapidly inside a host, spreading to infect other organisms.
  • Bacteria produce toxins that damage tissues and cause illness.
  • Viruses enter cells, reproduce inside them, and cause cell damage, leading to illness.
  • The process of viral infection involves the virus attaching to the host cell, injecting its genetic material, and tricking the cell into replicating the virus, which ultimately damages the cell and causes illness.

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