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compare and contrast traits of viruses and bacteria

made of cells___ virus or bacteria
respond to stimuli___ virus or bacteria
reproduce___ virus or bacteria
grow and develope___ virus or bacteria
evolve___ virus or bacteria
universal genetic code___ virus or bacteria

1 answer

Here's a comparison of traits between viruses and bacteria:

  1. Made of Cells:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria are single-celled organisms and are considered prokaryotes.
    • Viruses: No, viruses are not made of cells; they are acellular and consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

  2. Respond to Stimuli:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria can respond to environmental stimuli, such as light and nutrients, and can move toward or away from them.
    • Viruses: No, viruses do not respond to stimuli as they lack cellular structures and processes; they only act inside host cells.

  3. Reproduce:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria reproduce asexually through binary fission, allowing them to multiply rapidly.
    • Viruses: No, viruses do not reproduce on their own; they replicate by infecting a host cell and using the host's machinery to produce new virus particles.

  4. Grow and Develop:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria grow by increasing in size and dividing. They also undergo metabolic processes.
    • Viruses: No, viruses do not grow or develop; they remain in their static form until they infect a host cell.

  5. Evolve:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria can evolve over time through mutations and horizontal gene transfer, leading to adaptation to their environment.
    • Viruses: Yes, viruses also evolve, often rapidly, due to high mutation rates, which can lead to the emergence of new viral strains.

  6. Universal Genetic Code:

    • Bacteria: Yes, bacteria use the universal genetic code for protein synthesis, similar to other life forms.
    • Viruses: Partially, viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material but do not universally adhere to the genetic code used by cellular life. The mechanisms of their genetic expression vary among different types of viruses.

In summary, bacteria are single-celled organisms that exhibit characteristics of living organisms, including reproduction, growth, and response to stimuli. In contrast, viruses are acellular entities that require a host to replicate and do not exhibit independent metabolic processes or growth. Both can evolve, but they do so in different ways.