In which of the following cases would bacteria be described as pathogens?
(A) Bacteria reducing lung function in mammals
(B) Bacteria in the human gut assisting digestion
(C) Bacteria producing insulin as a result of genetic engineering
(D) Bacteria in the mouth preventing growth of harmful bacteria - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 5
In which of the following cases would bacteria be described as pathogens?
(A) Bacteria reducing lung function in mammals
(B) Bacteria in the human gut assisting dige... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In which of the following cases would bacteria be described as pathogens?
(A) Bacteria reducing lung function in mammals
(B) Bacteria in the human gut assisting digestion
(C) Bacteria producing insulin as a result of genetic engineering
(D) Bacteria in the mouth preventing growth of harmful bacteria - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
A) Bacteria reducing lung function in mammals
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Answer
This case describes a situation where bacteria have a negative effect on the host, leading to reduced lung function. This indicates that the bacteria are causing harm, qualifying them as pathogens.
Step 2
B) Bacteria in the human gut assisting digestion
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Answer
In this case, the bacteria are beneficial and help in digestion. Since they do not cause disease, they are not classified as pathogens.
Step 3
C) Bacteria producing insulin as a result of genetic engineering
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Answer
While these bacteria are modified for a positive purpose, they are not directly causing disease. Therefore, they do not fit the definition of pathogens.
Step 4
D) Bacteria in the mouth preventing growth of harmful bacteria
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Answer
Here, the bacteria are performing a protective role rather than causing disease. Hence, they are not considered pathogens.
