Question

Distinguish between viruses and bacteria.

Short answer

Viruses and bacteria differ in their structure, size, method of reproduction, the diseases they cause and their treatment. Bacteria are complex single-celled organisms that can live in various environments and reproduce through binary fission. Some bacteria are harmless/beneficial, while others cause diseases. Viruses are smaller, simpler and always cause diseases. They cannot survive or reproduce without a host organism. Bacterial infections can be fought off with antibiotics, while viruses require vaccines or antiviral medications.

Step-by-step solution

Define Bacteria and Viruses

Identify the characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are single-celled, complex organisms with a cell wall that can live in various environments, including extreme conditions. Viruses are much smaller and simpler, do not have a cell structure, and cannot reproduce or survive without a host cell.

Discuss the size

Discuss the size difference - bacteria are larger than viruses. Bacteria are usually about 1,000 nanometers in size, while viruses range from 20 to 400 nanometers.

Discuss Reproduction

Bacteria reproduce by binary fission (splitting in two), while viruses enter host cells and use the host's replication processes to create copies of themselves.

Discuss Disease Association

Bacteria can be both harmful and beneficial - some bacteria are used to produce yogurt or antibiotics, while others can cause diseases like strep throat or tuberculosis. Viruses, on the other hand, are always associated with disease (like flu, herpes, or COVID-19) and cannot live outside a host organism.

Discuss Treatment

Discuss treatment differences. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections usually require vaccines or antiviral medications. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.