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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Pathogens and Disease Transmission Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of how diseases are caused by pathogens and how they spread between individuals.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Define the term "pathogen" and name three types of pathogen.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. A pathogen is a disease-causing organism.
    2. Types: bacteria, viruses, fungi (or protoctists).
    3. Each type causes disease in different ways.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe four ways in which pathogens can be transmitted from one person to another.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Droplet infection: coughing/sneezing releases pathogen-laden droplets (e.g. Influenza).
    2. Direct contact: touching an infected person or their body fluids (e.g. Athlete's foot).
    3. Contaminated food or water: ingesting pathogens (e.g. Cholera, Salmonella).
    4. Vectors: organisms that carry pathogens between hosts (e.g. Mosquitoes transmit malaria).

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain two methods used to reduce the transmission of cholera.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Providing clean, treated drinking water: kills the Vibrio cholerae bacterium.
    2. Proper sewage treatment: prevents contamination of water supply with faeces.
    3. Good hygiene practices (handwashing): reduces oral-faecal transmission route.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name the pathogen that causes malaria and the vector that transmits it.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Pathogen: Plasmodium (a protoctist).
    2. Vector: female Anopheles mosquito.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain why controlling the mosquito vector is an important strategy for reducing malaria transmission.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The Plasmodium parasite must pass through the mosquito to complete its life cycle.
    2. Reducing mosquito numbers breaks the transmission cycle between humans.
    3. Methods include insecticide-treated bed nets, draining stagnant water, and insecticide spraying.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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