Lesson 4.3.1.1

4.3.1.1 Communicable (infectious) diseases Quiz: AQA Combined Science, Unit 3

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.3.1.1, Communicable (infectious) diseases: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464), Unit 3: Infection and response, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What are microorganisms that cause infectious disease called?

    • Antibodies
    • Antigens
    • Pathogens
    • Antibiotics

  2. Which type of microorganism causes infectious disease in plants and animals?

    • Antibiotic
    • Nutrient
    • Antigen
    • Pathogen

  3. Which of these is a main method by which pathogens are spread?

    • Magnetic waves
    • Active transport
    • Cell division
    • Direct contact

  4. What can bacteria produce that damages tissues?

    • Vitamins
    • Hormones
    • Enzymes only
    • Toxins

  5. Where do viruses live and reproduce inside a host?

    • Blood plasma
    • Tissue fluid
    • Inside cells
    • Digestive tract

  6. Which organisms can pathogens infect?

    • Bacteria alone
    • Fish species only
    • Plants or animals
    • Humans and fungi

  7. What is a key feature of bacteria and viruses in the body?

    • Reproduce rapidly
    • Form spores
    • Produce chlorophyll
    • Synthesise cellulose

  8. Which action helps to reduce or prevent the spread of infectious disease?

    • Crowding
    • Sharing drinks
    • Isolation
    • Removing skin

  9. What is the primary transmission route for contaminated water?

    • Air-borne
    • Insect vector
    • Water-borne
    • Direct physical

  10. A cold spreads when people cough near others. What is the route?

    • Through blood only
    • Through the air
    • Through water
    • Through soil

  11. Which type of pathogen produces toxins that damage tissues?

    • Viruses
    • Mineral ions
    • Bacteria
    • Plasmids

  12. Which disease is caused by a protist?

    • Rose black spot
    • Malaria
    • Measles
    • Salmonella food poisoning

  13. What do pathogens primarily obtain from a host organism?

    • Chlorophyll and sunlight
    • Conditions and nutrients
    • Rigid cellulose walls
    • Inorganic mineral rocks

  14. A farmer sees dark spots on rose leaves. Which pathogen type is most likely?

    • Protist
    • Bacterium
    • Fungus
    • Virus

  15. Treating a community water supply blocks which type of transmission?

    • Droplet inhalation
    • Insect bite
    • Water-borne
    • Direct skin contact

  16. Why do communicable diseases often spread rapidly in overcrowded areas?

    • Close contact
    • Bright lighting
    • High altitude
    • Low humidity

  17. How do bacteria primarily cause damage to the human body?

    • Living inside cells
    • Consuming nerve impulses
    • Producing toxins
    • Blocking oxygen transport

  18. What happens when viruses reproduce inside host cells?

    • Cell elongation
    • Cell damage
    • Antibody production
    • Photosynthesis activation

  19. Which intervention stops a water-borne disease outbreak?

    • Skin antiseptics
    • Mosquito nets
    • Clean water supply
    • Air filtration units

  20. Which organisms can be infected by communicable pathogens?

    • Animals and plants
    • Animals only
    • Fungi only
    • Plants only

All AQA Combined Science quizzes