Which term describes microorganisms that are capable of causing disease?

Which term describes microorganisms that are capable of causing disease?

• A. Non-Pathogenic Organism
• B. Aerobic Organisms
• C. Pathogenic Organism
• D. Anaerobic Organisms

Answer: (C)

Being able to cause disease is what defines a pathogenic organism. Pathogens are agents—such as certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that have the ability to invade a host, evade or overwhelm the immune response, and damage tissues, resulting in illness. The term emphasizes disease-causing potential, not how the organism grows. In contrast, non-pathogenic organisms do not cause disease and may be harmless or even beneficial. The other terms describe oxygen requirements: aerobic organisms need oxygen, while anaerobic organisms grow without it. These categories describe where they can live, not whether they cause disease.

Being able to cause disease is what defines a pathogenic organism. Pathogens are agents—such as certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that have the ability to invade a host, evade or overwhelm the immune response, and damage tissues, resulting in illness. The term emphasizes disease-causing potential, not how the organism grows. In contrast, non-pathogenic organisms do not cause disease and may be harmless or even beneficial. The other terms describe oxygen requirements: aerobic organisms need oxygen, while anaerobic organisms grow without it. These categories describe where they can live, not whether they cause disease.