Pathogens require a source of food — especially proteins or carbohydrates — for growth. Which statement reflects this requirement?

• A. Pathogens need a source of food — especially proteins or carbohydrates
• B. Pathogens require only fats to grow
• C. Pathogens can grow without nutrients
• D. Pathogens need water but not nutrients

Answer: (A)

Pathogens must have nutrients to fuel metabolism and build new cellular material. Carbohydrates provide energy and carbon skeletons, while proteins supply nitrogen and amino acids needed to synthesize enzymes and structural components. So stating that pathogens need a source of food—especially proteins or carbohydrates—accurately captures what supports their growth.

Fats can be used by some microbes, but they aren’t the universal or sole nutrient requirement for growth. Growth also cannot occur without nutrients, even though water is essential; nutrients are needed to drive metabolic processes and replication.