Question

How can you tell the difference between bacteria and virus?

1) By their size
2) By their genetic material
3) By their mode of reproduction
4) By their shape

Answer 1

Bacteria and viruses can be distinguished based on their size, genetic material, mode of reproduction, and shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacteria and viruses can be distinguished from each other based on several factors:

1. Size: Bacteria are larger than viruses and can be seen under a microscope, while viruses are much smaller and require an electron microscope to be seen.
2. Genetic material: Bacteria have both DNA and RNA, while viruses have either DNA or RNA, but not both.
3. Mode of reproduction: Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical cells. Viruses replicate by infecting host cells and taking over their machinery to produce more viruses.
4. Shape: Bacteria have various shapes, such as rod-shaped (bacilli), spherical (cocci), or spiral (spirilla). Viruses, on the other hand, have diverse shapes, including complex structures like the bacteriophage shown in the reference image.