pathogens + diseases

• disease - an illness or condition affecting part or all of the body, caused by

  • injury,
  • infection,
  • genetic factors,
  • environmental factors,
  • lifestyle choices
• pathogen - any microorganism capable of causing disease:

  • bacteria,
  • viruses,
  • fungi,
  • protozoa,
  • worms
• unicellar


  a single cell
• inhibit

  prevent something from happening
• human defences:

  • nose + mouth: stops entering
  • stomach acid: kills
  • skin: blocks
  • tears: washes away + enzymes break them down
  • mucus: traps
• ciliated cell: moves mucus out of airways
• goblet cell: produces mucus
• capsule (bacteria) : helps the cell attach to surfaces
• cell wall (bacteria):

  • extra layer of protection
  • helps maintain the shape of the cell
  • prevents dehydration / loss of water
• flagella: helps the bacteria to move