Final answer:
Dust particles and viral particles are similar in that they are small and can affect air quality and respiratory health. However, they differ in composition, with dust being inert and composed of organic and inorganic materials, while viral particles contain genetic material and can reproduce within host cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing particles found in air, two examples that we can examine are dust particles and viral particles. Dust particles are typically composed of various small bits of organic and inorganic materials such as pollen, human skin cells, mineral particles from soil, and microscopic pieces of plastic. On the other hand, viral particles are biological entities consisting of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat, which may sometimes be surrounded by a lipid envelope.
Similarities between dust and viral particles include their small size, which allows them to remain airborne. Both types of particles can also be inhaled, affecting respiratory health. Moreover, they contribute to air quality and can be subject to environmental and man-made influences.
However, they differ in several ways. Dust particles are generally larger than viral particles and are inert, meaning they do not replicate or have biological processes. Viral particles, in contrast, can infect living cells and reproduce, posing a risk of spreading diseases. Dust can be seen under a microscope or sometimes with the eye when accumulated, whereas viral particles require more advanced microscopy to be observed due to their significantly smaller size.