Pathogen categories
Wed, Sep 9, 2026 · Week 3 · Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions)
Today's goal: Compare bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites so you can reason about what might cause an outbreak.
What a finished product looks like
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Leading suspect: my outbreak clues (fever, rash, spread person-to-person, and no response to antibiotics in a similar past case) best fit a virus, because viruses are not cells and antibiotics cannot target them.
| Pathogen | A cell? | Example disease | Typical treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | Yes (prokaryote) | Strep throat | Antibiotics |
| Virus | No | Influenza | Antivirals, vaccines |
| Fungus | Yes (eukaryote) | Athlete's foot | Antifungals |
| Parasite | Yes (single or multicellular) | Malaria | Antiparasitics |
Also due today: Keep in notebook; photograph and upload to portfolio by Friday.
WebXam problem for today's skill
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.