Final answer:
The best conclusion from the information provided is that Unknown 1 is a virus and Unknown 2 is a bacterial cell. Viruses require a host to replicate and have no cellular structure, while bacteria can reproduce independently and have a cellular structure with a DNA nucleoid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Viruses and Bacteria
The conclusion that best fits the information provided is D: Unknown 1 is a virus, while Unknown 2 is a bacterial cell. The evidence supporting this conclusion is that Unknown 1 requires a host cell to replicate, which is characteristic of viruses, and Unknown 2 can reproduce without a host cell and has a semipermeable membrane encapsulating cytoplasm and a DNA nucleoid, which are characteristic of bacterial cells. Viruses, unlike bacteria, are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must infect a host cell to replicate. They do not have a cellular structure and are not considered alive because they lack a plasma membrane, internal organelles, and metabolic processes. In contrast, bacteria are living cells that can grow and reproduce independently of a host.
Viruses and living organisms share the characteristics of having genetic material and the ability to evolve. However, viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own, do not grow, do not respond to their environment, and are not made of cells, which are key characteristics that define living organisms.
Advantages to Viruses Keeping Hosts Alive
By keeping the host cell alive, such as the influenza virus exiting the host cell without killing it, the virus ensures it has a sustainable environment to continue replicating and spreading to new hosts, thus increasing its chances of survival and proliferation.