how are bacteria different from viruses apex ?
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how are bacteria different from viruses apex
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Bacteriology
1 year
2022-11-15T07:25:20+00:00
2022-11-15T07:25:20+00:00 1 Answer
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Answer ( 1 )
Bacteria and viruses are different in several ways. One key difference is their structure and size. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are much larger and more complex than viruses. They have a cell wall, cell membrane, and genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed within their cell membrane. In contrast, viruses are much smaller and simpler. They consist of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.
Another difference is how they reproduce. Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, a process where one bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells. On the other hand, viruses cannot reproduce on their own. Instead, they infect host cells and hijack the host’s cellular machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles.
Additionally, bacteria are considered living organisms because they can grow, metabolize nutrients, and respond to their environment. They can also be killed by antibiotics. Viruses, on the other hand, are not considered living organisms because they cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and must rely on a host cell for replication. They are not affected by antibiotics but can be targeted by antiviral medications.
Overall, while bacteria and viruses share some similarities, such as being microscopic and causing diseases, they are fundamentally different in structure, reproduction, and response to treatment.