How do germs grow?

Answer 1

They don't necessarily 'grow'. And it depends on what you're talking about. I think bacteria and viruses are the main causes for illness. I can say viruses definitely don't grow. If you ingest a virus it could possibly get to its host cell and replicate inside it. The virus basically hacks into a cell as if IT IS part of the cell and the cell will replicate the virus as if it is needed for the cell to function. Viruses are very specific as well. They will only 'grow' if they meet their specific host cell as there are many different types of cells in the human body. They are like itty bitty parasites and need YOU to survive. A virus would parish on a surface, like a table. Viruses may also be airborne. They may infect the eye and they also may be sexually transmitted. Bacteria, on the other hand are large and your body has better defenses against them. These things don't necessarily need a host cell to survive. They can live and replicate on a surface as they are equipped with cell walls. They usually only replicate when they have a food source. A great food source is the fridge and YOU! Once inside you they may release a poison and feed on your cells. Your immune system has great defenses against bacteria, but viruses fly below the radar. Other germs may be protozoans or fungus. Athletes foot is an example of a fungus. Read about it.