MYP Biology Topic Pathogens and Parasites Revision…

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MYP Biology Topic Pathogens and Parasites Revision… | RevisionDojo

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What Is A Pathogen?

Definition

Pathogen

A biological agent that causes disease in a host organism.

Pathogens harm hosts by disrupting normal body functions. They:
1. Damage cells or tissues.
2. Divert host resources for their own growth.
3. Trigger symptoms that reduce host survival or reproduction.
Pathogens rely on hosts to survive and spread.
This means they can't complete their life processes independently, which makes successful transmission to new hosts essential.

Common Mistake

Saying all pathogens are “organisms.”
Viruses are not living organisms, but they are still pathogens.

What Are The Main Types Of Pathogens?

Bacteria
1. Single-celled living organisms.
2. Reproduce rapidly using host resources.
3. Some produce toxins that damage host cells.
Viruses
1. Non-living particles made of DNA or RNA inside a protein coat.
2. Can only reproduce inside host cells.
3. Often kill host cells when new viruses are released.
Fungi
1. Eukaryotic organisms that often grow on host surfaces.
2. Feed by digesting host tissues externally.
3. Can invade deeper tissues if untreated.
Protists
1. Single-celled eukaryotes.
2. Often parasitic and adapted to life inside hosts.

Example

Bacteria: Vibrio cholerae causing cholera.
Virus: HIV
Fungi: Athlete’s foot.
Protists: Plasmodium causing malaria.

Tip

If genetic material must enter host cells to reproduce, the pathogen is a virus.

How Do Pathogens Enter And Spread Between Hosts?

Pathogens must be transmitted between hosts to persist.
1. Transmission routes include direct contact, body fluids, food, water, and air.
2. Some pathogens require vectors.
A vector is an organism that transmits a pathogen between hosts.
1. Mosquitoes are an example of a vector for malaria parasites.
2. The mosquito itself isn't harmed, but the human host is.

Definition

Vector

A living carrier that transfers a pathogen without being the primary host.

Common Mistake

Confusing vectors with hosts.
Vectors transmit pathogens; hosts are infected by them.

How Do Different Pathogens Infect Hosts?

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Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

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Note

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Tip

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MYP Biology Pathogens and Parasites Notes

What Is A Pathogen?

What Are The Main Types Of Pathogens?

How Do Pathogens Enter And Spread Between Hosts?

How Do Different Pathogens Infect Hosts?

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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What Is A Pathogen?

What Are The Main Types Of Pathogens?

How Do Pathogens Enter And Spread Between Hosts?

How Do Different Pathogens Infect Hosts?

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Cells7 subtopics

Organisms7 subtopics

Processes10 subtopics

Metabolism4 subtopics

Evolution7 subtopics

Interactions with environment6 subtopics

Interactions between organisms5 subtopics

Human interactions with environments3 subtopics

Biotechnology3 subtopics

MYP Biology Pathogens and Parasites Notes

Cells7 subtopics

Organisms7 subtopics

Processes10 subtopics

Metabolism4 subtopics

Evolution7 subtopics

Interactions with environment6 subtopics

Interactions between organisms5 subtopics

Human interactions with environments3 subtopics

Biotechnology3 subtopics

What Is A Pathogen?

What Are The Main Types Of Pathogens?

How Do Pathogens Enter And Spread Between Hosts?

How Do Different Pathogens Infect Hosts?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

What Is A Pathogen?

What Are The Main Types Of Pathogens?

How Do Pathogens Enter And Spread Between Hosts?

How Do Different Pathogens Infect Hosts?

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account