Viruses reproduce through the use of host cells. In this process, viruses reproduce by injecting their DNA into the host cell and using the cell's structures to create copies of itself. After numerous copies are made, the host cell bursts and the new viruses are released. Depending on the type of virus and the host cell, hundreds or thousands of viruses can be released in this burst. These viruses then go on to reproduce through new host cells. Bacteria, however, reproduce using binary fission. In this process, a bacterium splits into two identical daughter cells. In favorable conditions, bacteria can divide once every 20 minutes. This means that a single bacterium can turn into a colony of over a billion bacteria in about ten hours.

Question

Which statement correctly compares viral and bacterial reproduction?

a
Both viruses and bacteria must have very large populations in order to reproduce.
b
Both viruses and bacteria must destroy themselves after they have reproduced.
c
Both viruses and bacteria can create large populations in a short time period.
d
Both viruses and bacteria can reproduce without the help of other organisms.

Answer 1

The correct statement that compares viral and bacterial reproduction is:

c Both viruses and bacteria can create large populations in a short time period.

Viruses can produce many copies of themselves quickly within a host cell, while bacteria can divide rapidly through binary fission under favorable conditions.