Question

Viruses and bacteria have which of the following in common? (A) Ribosomes (B) Nucleic acids (C) Flagella (D) Metabolism

Short answer

Both viruses and bacteria have nucleic acids in common. Bacteria have a simple, circular DNA molecule, while viruses can have DNA or RNA as their genetic material. So, the correct answer is (B) Nucleic acids.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures that synthesize proteins. Bacteria have ribosomes to carry out protein synthesis. However, viruses lack ribosomes, as they rely on the host cell's machinery to synthesize proteins. So, this option is not correct.

Option B: Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the genetic material that carries the information needed for an organism to survive, grow, and reproduce. Both viruses and bacteria have nucleic acids in their structures. Bacteria have a simple, circular DNA molecule, while viruses can have DNA or RNA as their genetic material. So, this option is correct.

Option C: Flagella

Flagella are tail-like structures that some living organisms use for locomotion. Some bacteria have flagella to move around. However, most viruses do not have flagella, and their locomotion depends on the transmission from one host cell to another. So, this option is not correct.

Option D: Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the biochemical reactions that take place within a living organism to maintain life. Bacteria, as living organisms, have various metabolic processes for energy production and biomass synthesis. In contrast, viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes independently, as they are not considered living organisms. They require a host cell's machinery for replication and energy production. So, this option is not correct. Based on the analysis, the correct answer is: (B) Nucleic acids