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jujubes jujubes
wrote...
Go to Answer
10 years ago
I don't understand the differences between a virus and bacteria. They both cause diseases, so what is the difference?
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5 Replies
Replies
wrote...
#1
10 years ago
the thing i know is that virus isn't a living thing while bacteria is a living thing ! : D
wrote...
#2
10 years ago
Use Google dude....It is your friend...
wrote...
#3
10 years ago
current science does not categorize viruses as being "alive", but bacteria is.  that's one major difference.  then they are different structurally; virus lacks many cellular apparatus and organelles that bacs possess.

http://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/yellowstone/viruslive.html

EDIT:
also, the answer below mine contains an error in the first paragraph, viruses can have both double-stranded DNA and single-stranded RNA (the latter we call retrovirus)....the copied information from FDA.gov corrected it tho.

*also, a virus that specifically targets bacteria is called a bacteriophage, it would either incorporate its genetic material into the host bacteria as a prophage and lie dormant, or enter the lytic cycle and cause the bac cell to lyse to release new infectious phages.
Answer accepted by topic starter
ritinkar4all Authorritinkar4all
wrote...
#4
10 years ago
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Viruses are the most elementary of organisms consisting of only an RNA strand for chromosomal structure and a protien capsule enveloping. The nature and function of the virus lies in its RNA. In fact, viruses can be deactivated and preserved in the form of harmless crystals. They are actually dead in nature and function in this form. This is how viruses border on the living and nonliving forms. Bacteria are much more advanced organisms having a DNA (double stranded) with more complex physiology and function.

 Viruses vs. Bacteria

Here is the answer from FDA.gov:

    * Viruses must have a living host to multiply whereas most bacteria can grow on non-living surfaces.

    * Viruses are the smallest and simplest life form known. They are 10 to 100 times smaller than bacteria.

    * Viruses invade their host's cells and turn the cell's genetic material from its normal function to producing the virus itself.

    * Bacteria carry all the machinery needed for their growth and multiplication, while viruses carry mainly information - for example, DNA or RNA, packaged in a protein and/or membranous coat. Viruses, on the other hand, harness the host cell's machinery to reproduce. In a sense, viruses are not truly "living," but are essentially information (DNA or RNA) that float around until they encounter a suitable living host.
This verified answer contains over 230 words.
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Related Topics

wrote...
#5
10 years ago
viruses aren't alive, to reproduce, they use bacteria. therefore, they attack it and inject their DNA into it and then the bacteria becomes infected and causes diseases!
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