Obligate parasites
What Obligate parasites means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Obligate parasites
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Obligate parasites in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Viruses are obligate parasites because they cannot carry out life processes independently and reproduce only inside living host cells.
Topics that use Obligate parasites
- Communicable (infectious) diseases (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Antibiotics
- Breaking the chain of infection
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Pathogen groups and disease
- Transmission routes
- Transmission routes in animals
- Transmission routes in plants
- Vaccination and immunity
Using Obligate parasites in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge