Final answer:
Diseases are caused by microorganisms known as pathogens, which include bacteria and viruses. These pathogens are responsible for the spread of infectious diseases and can be transmitted through means such as droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms are known collectively as pathogens. Pathogens are responsible for spreading infectious diseases and can be transferred from one host to another, leading to illnesses such as tuberculosis, strep throat, influenza, and the common cold. Infectious diseases are also known as communicable diseases due to their ability to spread between individuals.
The correct answer to the question of what microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are known as, when they cause diseases, is A. pathogens.
Pathogens can spread through various avenues, including droplets released during coughing or sneezing, which may contain a high concentration of these disease-causing agents. It's important to make a distinction between pathogens, which are the microorganisms that cause disease, and secretions or droplets, which are vehicles that can transfer these pathogens from one individual to another.