Slide 3 of 20
Notes:
Bacteria are microorganisms that invade tissues. Some are beneficial, but others cause illness. Some bacteria (e.g., anthrax) can also transform into spores which are more resistant to environmental conditions. Bacteria can produce toxins that poison human systems.
Toxins are defined as any toxic substance of natural origin produced by an animal, plant, or microbe. They can be compared to chemical agents (I.e, they are non-living, inert) BUT chemicals are manmade. In addition, toxins are more toxic per weight than chemicals are.
Viruses are very small microorganisms that enter the cells of a host to replicate. They are actually intercellular parasites, and transform the whole cell to the point of killing it.
