distinguish between:
- prions
- viruses
- bacteria
- protozoans
- fungi
- macro-parasites
and name one example of a disease caused by each type of pathogen
Pathogen | Description | Examples of diseases it causes |
---|---|---|
Prions | Protein that has been altered from its normal structure and can then alter other proteins to develop more prions, so that the change spreads like a chain reaction. |
|
Viruses | Consist of DNA or RNA enclosed in protein, live inside living cells. They are so small that they cannot be seen with a light microscope. |
|
Bacteria | Very simple cells with no internal membranes. |
|
Protozoans | Microscopic single-celled organisms with internal membranes. |
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Fungi | Heterotrophic organisms. Some (e.g. yeasts) are unicellular, others consist of long branching threads. |
|
Macro-organisms | Organisms that are visible to the naked eye, also called parasites. |
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