What term describes organisms, including bacteria and viruses, capable of causing disease in a host?

What term describes organisms, including bacteria and viruses, capable of causing disease in a host?

• A. Pathogens
• B. Symbionts
• C. Antigens
• D. Vectors

Answer: (A)

The term that describes organisms capable of causing disease in a host is "pathogens." Pathogens include a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can invade a host and lead to infections or diseases. They possess mechanisms that enable them to multiply and elude the host's immune responses, causing damage to tissue and disrupting normal bodily functions. In contrast, symbionts refer to organisms that live in close association with another organism, often benefiting both partners; they do not cause disease but may provide essential functions, such as aiding in digestion. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, typically not the pathogens themselves but often parts of the pathogens that the immune system recognizes. Vectors are organisms, often insects, that transmit pathogens from one host to another, rather than being the pathogens themselves. Thus, the focus on "pathogens" accurately conveys the concept of disease-causing microorganisms, making it the correct choice.

The term that describes organisms capable of causing disease in a host is "pathogens." Pathogens include a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can invade a host and lead to infections or diseases. They possess mechanisms that enable them to multiply and elude the host's immune responses, causing damage to tissue and disrupting normal bodily functions.

In contrast, symbionts refer to organisms that live in close association with another organism, often benefiting both partners; they do not cause disease but may provide essential functions, such as aiding in digestion. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, typically not the pathogens themselves but often parts of the pathogens that the immune system recognizes. Vectors are organisms, often insects, that transmit pathogens from one host to another, rather than being the pathogens themselves.

Thus, the focus on "pathogens" accurately conveys the concept of disease-causing microorganisms, making it the correct choice.