Which term refers to disease-causing microorganisms?

Prepare for the IGCSE Environmental Management Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam with tailored practice and resources.

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to disease-causing microorganisms?

Explanation:
Disease-causing microorganisms are called pathogens. Microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, but only some of them cause illness. A pathogen is one of these microbes that can harm a host and produce disease, whereas many microbes are harmless or even beneficial, such as the bacteria in our gut. So while a microbe, a virus, or a bacteria is a type of microorganism, the term that specifically means disease-causing is pathogen.

Disease-causing microorganisms are called pathogens. Microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, but only some of them cause illness. A pathogen is one of these microbes that can harm a host and produce disease, whereas many microbes are harmless or even beneficial, such as the bacteria in our gut. So while a microbe, a virus, or a bacteria is a type of microorganism, the term that specifically means disease-causing is pathogen.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy