Describe how viruses cause disease in the human body.

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)

Viruses invade host cells by attaching to specific receptors on the cell surface and entering the cell.
They replicate inside the host cell, using the cell’s machinery to produce new viral particles.
The accumulation of new viruses eventually causes the host cell to burst or be destroyed.
The damage or loss of cells leads to the symptoms that are recognised as disease.

Examiner tips

Use the sequence: invasion → replication → cell damage → symptoms.
Mention that viruses use host cell machinery for replication.
Show the cause–effect chain clearly.
Use the exact wording from the mark scheme (e.g., ‘burst’).

Common mistakes

Forgetting to state that viruses use host cell machinery to replicate.
Describing only the invasion step and omitting cell damage and symptoms.
Using vague terms like ‘cause problems’ instead of ‘burst/destroy’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Viruses invade / enter host cells
Viruses reproduce / replicate inside the host cell
Host cells are damaged / burst / destroyed when new viruses are released
Cell damage / destruction causes symptoms of disease

Key terms in this question

virus