2.5: Adaptations of Pathogens

• Respiratory surfaces • Wounds • Digestive system • Reproductive organs

• Using a vector to entery the bloodstream of the organism. For example, plasmodium uses mosquitos to transfer between organisms - cause of malaria • Attachment to host tissue - some pathogens have sticky proteins, preventing the body from expelling them • Ability to withstand harsh environments - some pathogens have the ability to survive extreme conditions such as the low pH of the stomach. • Biofilms are bacterial colonies that can exist in a dormant state with reduced metabolism. The bacteria can become resistant by sharing the genetic resistance within the colony • Binding to molecules on the surface of host cells Intracellular pathogens need to bind to receptor molecules of host cells, for example virus particles

• Fungi: fungal pathogens will infect plants and obtain nutrients from plant cells. For example: phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that affects native tree species. • Bacteria • Viruses • Nematodes - worm-like creatures with the ability to damage root cells