# Explain how a pathogen can spread from one person to another through the air.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.3.1 Communicable diseases · Explain · 4 marks

> Communicable diseases can be transmitted between individuals by several different routes. One common route of transmission involves the air.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. An infected person releases pathogen(s) into the air
2. Pathogens are carried in droplets / aerosols
3. Droplets / pathogens are inhaled by another person
4. The pathogen then infects the cells / reproduces inside the new host, causing disease

## Key terms

- [pathogen](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pathogen)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-a-pathogen-can-spread-312af1f0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.