Many viruses and bacteria are pathogens which cause disease. Characteristics of each are listed in the chart below. 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 organisms because they are made up of cells and do not require a host cell to reproduce.

Answer 1

The correct argument that 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 made up of cells and do not require a host cell to reproduce.

This statement accurately reflects the scientific consensus that viruses lack the characteristics of living organisms, such as cellular structure and independent reproduction, while bacteria are considered living organisms due to their cellular structure and their ability to reproduce independently.