1.3 Prokaryotes, 1.4 Pathogens

What is a pathogen

A pathogen is a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, that can cause disease in its host.

What is a microbe?

Very small living creature

4 types of pathogens?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protoctists

What kingdom does bacteria belong to?

Prokaryotes

What are bacteria’s cell wall made of?

Peptidoglycan

Where is the bacteria’s DNA stored?

Plasmid

What is the purpose of the bacteria’s flagella?

To propel movement

Uses of bacteria

Make cheese, yoghurt and vinegar, rot dead material in sewage plants, create genetically engineered, help digestive system

Why are viruses considered parasites?

Viruses are considered parasites because they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes without being inside a living cell.

Do viruses have a nucleus?

No

What covers viruses?

Viruses are covered in a protein coat known as a capsid.

What can viruses cause?

Flu, rabies, measles, HIV, polio, covid

Examples of viruses

Tobacco mosaic virus (causes the discolouring of tobacco plant leaves by preventing the formation of chloroplasts), influenza (causes the flu), HIV (causes AIDS)

Uses of viruses

Control pests in farming

What can fungi cause?

Athletes foot, ringworm, infected nails

What can we use fungi for?

Produce beer and bread, antibiotics and we can eat mushrooms