Biology Revision Cards

Pathogens are microorganisms - such as bacteria and viruses - that cause disease. Bacteria release toxins, and viruses damage our cells. White blood cells can ingest and destroy pathogens. They can produce antibodies to destroy pathogens, and antitoxins to neutralise toxins.

In vaccination pathogens are introduced into the body in a weakened form. The process causes the body to produce enough white blood cells to protect itself against the pathogens, while not getting diseased.

Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses. Some strains of bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.

Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious disease. Bacteria and viruses are the main pathogens.

Bacteria are living cells and, in favourable conditions, can multiply rapidly. Once inside the body, they release poisons or toxins that make us feel ill. Diseases caused by bacteria include:

• food poisoning
• cholera
• typhoid
• whooping cough
• gonorrhoea - a sexually transmitted disease