Question

Which of the following characteristics, structures, or processes is common to both bacteria and viruses?

(A) metabolism

(B) ribosomes

(C) genetic material composed of nucleic acid

(D) cell division

Short answer

(A) The option “metabolism” is false.

(B) The option “ribosomes” is false.

(C) The option “genetic material composed of nucleic acid” istrue.

(D)The option “cell division” isfalse.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Bacteria and viruses

Bacteria and viruses are microbes that cannot be visible without adding a microscope to the eyes. Both are causing agents of many diseases like fever and cough.

There are many differences between them, and the most important difference is the treatment of diseases by different types of agents. Bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, and viruses can be eliminated through antiviral medicines.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Metabolism is the collection of processes occurring in the cell used to extract energy from nutrients. It is almost absent in viruses. Viruses only replicate when present in a host cell. Bacteria are unicellular organisms that have metabolism for energy production for biological activities.

Thus,metabolism is not common in bacteria and viruses.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Ribosomes are tiny particles found in the cellular structure which is absent in viruses. They are sites for protein synthesis in the cell. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that do not contain cell organelles that are membrane-bound. Instead, they have ribosomes in their cell.

Thus,ribosomes are also not common in bacteria and viruses.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Viruses have nucleic acid and a protein coat in their structure. The nucleic acid can be DNA and RNA in viruses, and both of these can be in single-stranded and double-stranded forms.

They are called DNA viruses if they contain DNA in their genome and called RNA viruses if they contain RNA as genetic material. Nucleic acid is also present in the bacteria in the form of a nucleoid.

Thus, bacteria and viruses both contain nucleic acids in their genetic material.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Viruses are acellular organisms that replicate by using the host's cellular machinery and assemble in the host cell. In contrast, bacteria grow by amitosis and multiply by using their own metabolic machinery.

Thus, cell division is also a different phenomenon in bacteria and viruses.

Therefore, the given option is false.