What term describes disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses?

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Study for the 9th Grade Biology SOL Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What term describes disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses?

Explanation:
Disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses are called pathogens. The term pathogen specifically identifies organisms or particles that lead to illness by invading a host and triggering disease. "Germs" is a casual word that can refer to microscopic organisms in general, not all of which cause disease. "Microbes" refers to all microscopic organisms, including many that are harmless or beneficial, so it isn’t restricted to disease-causing agents. "Antigens" are substances that the immune system recognizes and responds to, such as parts of pathogens, but they are not the disease-causing agents themselves.

Disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses are called pathogens. The term pathogen specifically identifies organisms or particles that lead to illness by invading a host and triggering disease.

"Germs" is a casual word that can refer to microscopic organisms in general, not all of which cause disease. "Microbes" refers to all microscopic organisms, including many that are harmless or beneficial, so it isn’t restricted to disease-causing agents. "Antigens" are substances that the immune system recognizes and responds to, such as parts of pathogens, but they are not the disease-causing agents themselves.

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