Pathogens are disease-causing organisms which can infect humans. Bacteria and viruses are two examples of pathogens. Explain the differences between bacteria and pathogens and give an example of each.

Bacteria:Contain naked DNAHave a cell wall, membrane and organelles - RibosomesAre cellsLarger than virusesCan survive without living hostCan be treated with antibioticsexample: Staphylococcus aureusViruses:Are much smaller than bacteriaEnter living host cellsDo not have a cell wall or organelles- protein coat, capsid, DNA or RNAUse host cell machinery to reproduceDestroy host cell to spread viral particlesCannot survive without a living hostDo not respond to antibioticsExample: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

TG
Answered by Tabitha G. Biology tutor

2608 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is Mitosis? Compare to Meiosis.


Explain the Theory of Natural Selection


a) What is the function of the atrioventricular valves? b) When the ventricles are contracting, are the arterioventricular valves open or closed? c) Explain why the muscle walls of the atria are thinner than the walls of the ventricles.


What is the difference between species diversity and species evenness ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning