Which word describes something capable of causing disease or illness?

Study for the Virginia Commercial Applicator Turf Category 3B Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with helpful hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which word describes something capable of causing disease or illness?

Explanation:
Pathogenic describes an organism or agent that has the ability to cause disease in a host. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that trigger illness. The key idea is disease-causing potential, which is why this term fits best. Benign and harmless imply no threat of disease, while nonpathogenic means not capable of causing disease. A pathogen’s ability to cause disease can vary in intensity, but its defining trait is disease causation.

Pathogenic describes an organism or agent that has the ability to cause disease in a host. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that trigger illness. The key idea is disease-causing potential, which is why this term fits best. Benign and harmless imply no threat of disease, while nonpathogenic means not capable of causing disease. A pathogen’s ability to cause disease can vary in intensity, but its defining trait is disease causation.

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