Which term refers to a disease-causing organism?

Which term refers to a disease-causing organism?

• A. Antibody
• B. Enzyme
• C. Pathogen
• D. Hormone

Answer: (C)

Understanding what a disease-causing organism is helps here. A pathogen is any organism capable of causing disease in a host, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It specifically denotes those agents that can harm the host by invading tissues, disrupting normal function, producing toxins, or triggering harmful immune responses. By contrast, an antibody is a protein made by the immune system to recognize and neutralize invaders; an enzyme is a molecule that speeds up chemical reactions; a hormone is a signaling chemical that coordinates activities between cells. So the term that best fits “disease-causing organism” is pathogen.

Understanding what a disease-causing organism is helps here. A pathogen is any organism capable of causing disease in a host, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It specifically denotes those agents that can harm the host by invading tissues, disrupting normal function, producing toxins, or triggering harmful immune responses. By contrast, an antibody is a protein made by the immune system to recognize and neutralize invaders; an enzyme is a molecule that speeds up chemical reactions; a hormone is a signaling chemical that coordinates activities between cells. So the term that best fits “disease-causing organism” is pathogen.