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 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and 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
Practice questions for Pathogens and Disease Transmission
What is a pathogen?
Explain why viruses need to infect host cells in order to reproduce.
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