Final answer:
Viruses and bacteria have similarities and differences. Bacteria are complete cells, while viruses lack cellular structure. Viruses are not considered living organisms as they require a host cell to replicate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Similarities and Differences between Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses and bacteria are both microscopic and can cause diseases in humans, but there are several differences between them.
- Size: Bacteria are larger than viruses. While bacteria are visible under a light microscope, viruses can only be seen with an electron microscope.
- Structure: Bacteria are complete cells with a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material, while viruses are not considered living organisms as they lack a cellular structure and cannot replicate on their own.
- Reproduction: Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, dividing into two identical cells, while viruses reproduce by infecting host cells and hijacking their replication machinery.
Regarding whether viruses are living things or not, this is a matter of debate among scientists. While viruses possess certain characteristics of living organisms, such as genetic material and the ability to evolve, they require a host cell to carry out essential life processes, indicating a dependency on other living organisms.
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