Pathogenic Organisms

virus

intracellular parasires that consist of DNA & RNA core surrounded by protein coat and sometimes a lipoprotein coat

bacteria

tiny, primitive cells that lack nuclei; cause infection by parasitism tissues or otherwise disrupting normal function

fungus

simple organisms similar to plants but lack chlorophyll pigments that allow plants to make their own food; they must parasite other tissues, including those of human body

protozoa

protists, one-celled organisms larger than bacteria whose DNA is organized into nucleus

prions

proteins that may cause misfolding of protein molecules, converting normal proteins of cell into different proteins

Rickettsia

any group of small bacteria that includes causative agents of typhus and various other febrile diseases in humans

pathogenic animal

large, multicellular organisms such as insects and worms; can parasite human tissues or disrupt normal body function

autoimmunity

immune system attacks one's own body

circadian rhythm

roughly 24 hour cycle in physiological processes of living beings