infections

Pathogen

Organisms that cause diseases, including ______, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and prions.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic organisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic; includes cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral-shaped).

Virus

Acellular entities composed of genetic material encased in a protein coat, known for invading host cells to replicate.

Fungi

A kingdom of organisms including yeasts and molds; they can be unicellular or multicellular and may be pathogenic or beneficial.

Protozoa

Microscopic unicellular eukaryotic organisms that can be free-living or parasitic.

Prion

An infectious agent composed solely of protein, causing neurodegenerative diseases by inducing abnormal protein folding in the brain.

Symbiosis

The interaction between two different organisms living in close proximity; can be mutualistic (both benefit), commensalistic (one benefits, the other is unaffected), or parasitic (one benefits at the other's expense).

Binary fission

The asexual reproduction process in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Antibiotics

Substances that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, ineffective against viruses.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic

Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and organelles (e.g., Animalia, Plantae, Fungi) while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and organelles (e.g., bacteria).

Exponential growth

The rapid increase in the number of microorganisms where populations double at consistent intervals.

Oocysts

Dormant forms of protozoa resistant to environmental stresses that can cause reinfection.

Zoonotic

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Vaccination

A preventive measure that introduces an antigen to stimulate the immune response and develop memory against specific diseases.

Size

Viruses are generally smaller than bacteria, usually measuring between 20 nm to 300 nm, while bacteria range from 0.5 to 5 micrometers.

Structure

Viruses are acellular and consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat; bacteria are single-celled organisms with a cellular structure, including a cell wall.

Virus Reproduction

Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and require a host cell to replicate; bacteria reproduce independently through binary fission.

Living status

Viruses are considered non-living entities as they cannot carry out metabolic processes outside a host; bacteria are living organisms that perform metabolic functions.

Infection Mechanism

Viruses attach to host cells, enter them, and hijack the host's machinery to replicate; bacteria can invade tissues and multiply independently.

Treatment

Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics; viral infections typically require vaccines or antiviral medications.

Genetic Material

Viruses can have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material; bacteria contain DNA and have various structures such as plasmids.

Response to antibiotics

Bacteria can be affected by antibiotics; viruses are not impacted by antibiotics.

Pathogenicity

Both viruses and bacteria can be pathogenic, but the diseases they cause can differ in symptoms and severity.

Types of Diseases

Viruses can cause diseases like the flu and HIV; bacteria can cause infections like strep throat and tuberculosis.