Disease resistance refers to the ability of an organism to limit the damage caused by a pathogen or harmful microorganism. It allows the host to prevent, tolerate, or recover from infections more effectively. There are two main types of disease resistance:
Active resistance involves the host actively fighting off infection through cellular and biochemical defenses. This may include:
Passive resistance involves structural or chemical barriers that impede pathogen entry or growth. Examples include:
Disease resistance is crucial for the health and survival of organisms. Resistant hosts suffer less severe symptoms and are less likely to transmit infections to others. There are multiple complex factors influencing resistance, including genetics, age, nutrition status, and prior exposures. Selective breeding or genetic engineering can produce more resistant strains of agricultural plants and animals. An in-depth understanding of innate defense mechanisms may also inform new medical treatments.
Overall, disease resistance allows organisms to mitigate the impacts of infection through layered structural barriers, detection systems, and active pathogen-killing mechanisms. It is an evolving trait shaped by complex host-pathogen interactions. Enhancing disease resistance is a major goal in medicine, agriculture, and beyond - leading to healthier, more productive populations.
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