. Microbes that cause disease are called pathogens.
Micro-organisms quickly adapt to their environment and rapidly multiply. The human body has a number of defence mechanisms to help keep it in good health, to stop micro-organisms getting in and also to deal with any which do get in.
There are 3 types of microbe:
Fungus: Sometimes thought of as having qualities of animal, plant and microbe. Exist by feeding off other things eg Athletes foot (feed off skin and bacteria). They are treat using anti-fungals
Bacteria: Invade and then multiply very rapidly. They cause disease by causing cell damage and/or producing toxins which damage cells eg Salmonella (food poisoning). They are treated using antibiotics
Virus: They are the smallest microbe and attack by invading body cells, hijacking DNA and making cell make more viruses which are released by making cell burst. They result in high temperature. Eg. Influenza. Also capable of mutating so can be very difficult to treat. There are some antivirals available.
Stick in body outline and add a key
Go online and find a picture of an illness or disease that is caused by a fungus, bacteria and a virus.
