Animal Diseases and Immunity Quiz

What are Pathogens?

• Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease in their hosts.
• They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

How do Bacteria Reproduce?

• Bacteria primarily reproduce through binary fission, a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
• Under favorable conditions, bacteria can reproduce rapidly, doubling their population in as little as 20 minutes.

Function of Endospores in Bacteria

• Endospores are dormant, tough structures formed by certain bacteria to survive extreme conditions.
• They protect genetic material from heat, desiccation, and radiation, allowing bacteria to endure until conditions improve.

Classification of Infectious Agents

• Infectious agents are classified into four main categories: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• Classification is based on characteristics such as cellular structure, type of reproduction, and modes of infection.

Bacterial Adaptation to Environments

• Bacteria possess metabolic versatility, allowing them to utilize a wide range of substrates for energy.
• Their ability to form biofilms and adapt to different environmental conditions contributes to their survival in diverse habitats.

Distinction Between RNA and DNA Viruses

• Viruses are classified as RNA or DNA based on the type of nucleic acid they contain.
• RNA viruses use RNA as their genetic material, while DNA viruses use DNA.

How Viruses Cause Harm to Animals

• Viruses harm animals by invading host cells, disrupting normal cellular functions and leading to cell death.
• This process can trigger immune responses, resulting in inflammation and symptoms of disease.

Distinguishing Fungi from Other Organisms

• Fungi are distinct for their chitin-based cell walls and mode of nutrition, which involves absorbing nutrients from their environment.
• They do not photosynthesize and do not possess true tissues like plants and animals.

Fungal Reproduction

• Fungi primarily reproduce through spores, which can be sexual or asexual.
• Asexual reproduction includes budding and fragmentation, while sexual reproduction involves the fusion of specialized reproductive cells.

Distinction Between Disease-Causing and Carrier Parasites

• Pathogenic parasites actively cause harm to their hosts, leading to disease.
• Carrier parasites, on the other hand, may not cause immediate harm but can transmit pathogens to other organisms.

How Fungi Enter an Animal's Body

• Fungi can enter an animal's body through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, or through skin and mucosal surfaces.
• They may enter via open wounds or through the respiratory system.

How Parasites Cause Disease

• Parasites cause disease by invading host tissues, consuming nutrients, and evading the host's immune system.
• Disease can result from direct damage to tissues or through the immune response triggered by the presence of the parasite.