different types of pathogens

Bacteria

prokaryote that produces toxins, doesnt require a host.

Examples: TB that infects phagocytes in lungs.

Ring rot: destroys whole fields of crops.

Viruses

tiny non living infectious agents. composed of genetic material and insert viral genetic information into host DNA.

Examples: HIV which leads to aids.

Tobacco mosaic virus:

Protoctista

single celled or colonied. many cases require a vector. Digest and use cell contents to reproduce.

Example: malaria using mosquitos as vectors

Fungi

More of an issue in plants- they typically affect the leaves of plants preventing photosynthesis.

Examples: athletes foot, digests warm moist skin cells.