Many viruses and bacteria are pathogens which cause disease. Characteristics of each are listed in the chart below.

Question

Which argument correctly compares viruses and bacteria?

A.
Viruses and bacteria are both living organisms because they are both capable of causing disease.

B.
Viruses and bacteria are both living organisms because they both contain DNA and are capable of reproducing.

C.
Viruses are living organisms because they contain DNA and are capable of reproducing inside of a host cell. Bacteria are not living organisms because they are made up of cells and are capable of causing disease.

D.
Viruses are not living organisms because they are not made up of cells and cannot reproduce outside of a host cell. Bacteria are living or

Answer 1

The best argument that correctly compares viruses and bacteria is:

D. Viruses are not living organisms because they are not made up of cells and cannot reproduce outside of a host cell. Bacteria are living organisms because they are single-celled and capable of independent reproduction.

This statement accurately reflects the scientific understanding that viruses lack cellular structure and require a host to reproduce, while bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce on their own.