Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Is a virus considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 3–5 sentences.
Viruses and bacteria are both microscopic organisms that can cause diseases in humans and other organisms. However, they differ in various aspects. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, while viruses are not classified as cells and are much smaller than bacteria. Bacteria have their own cellular machinery and can reproduce on their own, while viruses rely on host cells to reproduce.
Whether a virus is considered a living thing is a matter of debate among scientists. While viruses possess some characteristics of living organisms, such as genetic material and the ability to evolve, they lack essential features of life, such as the ability to metabolize or grow. Viruses can only replicate inside a host cell, and outside of a host, they remain dormant and inert. Therefore, many scientists consider viruses as non-living entities, but with the ability to hijack living cells for their survival and reproduction.