A pathogen and a red blood cell are drawn to the same scale, with some features indicated - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2015 - Paper 1

To identify the type of pathogen presented in the image, we must analyze the features indicated on the pathogen.

The presence of a cell wall is a significant characteristic. Let's evaluate the possible options:

1. A virus: Viruses do not possess a cell wall. They are much smaller and consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat or lipid envelope.

2. A prion: Prions are misfolded proteins and also do not have a cellular structure including a cell wall.

3. A fungus: Fungi typically have a cell wall comprised of chitin, which could represent the pathogen depicted.

4. A bacterium: Bacteria commonly have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan.

Given that both fungi and bacteria have a cell wall, we need to consider additional features. If we regard the typical size and structure, the image indicates a larger entity typical of fungi compared to bacteria.

Thus, the most fitting answer based on the presence of the cell wall and morphology is (C) A fungus.