AmyMath
← Biology – Grade 8
CLASS 8 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Pathogen types and the principle of vaccination – basic principles

How it works

Pathogens are organisms or particles that can cause diseases. The most important types of pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They differ in structure, way of life and methods of control. The principle of vaccination is based on confronting the immune system in a targeted way with weakened or killed pathogens or their components so that it forms antibodies and can react more quickly in the event of a real infection. Vaccinations thus protect against certain infectious diseases and help prevent their spread.

Note
Recognize and distinguish the main types of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and describe the basic principle of vaccination as the targeted activation of the immune system by harmlessly made pathogens or pathogen components.

An example

Which type of pathogen is not made up of cells and can reproduce only in host cells?

Viruses are not made up of cells and have no independent metabolism. Therefore, they can reproduce only in living host cells. Bacteria are cells without a cell nucleus, fungi and parasites are eukaryotic organisms.

Try it yourself now

50 Exercises

To the learning unit →

Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.