Describe how pathogens are spread between people. Give four different methods of transmission in your answer.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.1 Pathogens and disease · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Pathogens can be spread through the air by droplet transmission – for example, when an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets containing the pathogen are released into the air.
Pathogens can be spread by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Pathogens can be spread by direct contact with an infected person, such as touching, skin contact or sexual contact.
Pathogens can be spread by a vector or animal carrier, for example an insect bite transferring the pathogen into the blood.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact phrases from the mark scheme – e.g. 'droplet transmission', 'contaminated food or water', 'direct contact', 'vector/animal carrier'.
  • Show each method as a separate point to match the four marks.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague terms like 'airborne' without mentioning droplets; "contaminated food" without specifying ingestion; confusing 'contact' with 'vector'; omitting the word 'vector' or 'animal carrier'.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Pathogens can be spread through the air / droplet transmission (e.g. sneezing or coughing releases droplets containing pathogens)
  2. Pathogens can be spread through contaminated food or water / ingestion
  3. Pathogens can be spread through direct contact with an infected person (e.g. touch / skin contact / sexual contact)
  4. Pathogens can be spread through a vector / animal carrier (e.g. an insect bite transfers pathogens into the blood)

Key terms in this question

pathogen · transmission

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