Key Facts: Pathogens

Part of Pathogens and Disease Transmission — GCSE Biology

This key facts covers Key Facts: Pathogens within Pathogens and Disease Transmission for GCSE Biology. Types of pathogens, how diseases spread, transmission methods, and prevention strategies It is section 2 of 18 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 18

Practice

18 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

Key Facts: Pathogens

Pathogen definition: Any microorganism that causes disease in living organisms
Four main types: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists
Size order: Bacteria > Fungi > Protists > Viruses (smallest)
Transmission routes: Direct contact, airborne, vector, water, food
Prevention principle: Break the chain of transmission

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Pathogens and Disease Transmission. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Invisible Enemy Types of Pathogens Disease Transmission Methods Disease Transmission in Detail

Practice Questions for Pathogens and Disease Transmission

What is a pathogen?

A. A microorganism that causes disease
B. A type of white blood cell
C. An antibody produced by the immune system
D. A nutrient required for growth

1 markfoundation

Explain why viruses need to infect host cells in order to reproduce.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is direct transmission?

When pathogens are passed directly from one person to another through physical contact

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism that causes disease in living organisms

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The Invisible Enemy

Types of Pathogens