Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Is a virus considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 3 to 5 sentences.
Viruses and bacteria are both microscopic organisms, but they differ significantly in their traits. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic organisms that can survive and reproduce independently. They have their own cellular structure, including DNA, ribosomes, and organelles. In contrast, viruses are acellular particles that require a host cell to replicate. They consist of genetic material wrapped in a protein coat and lack cellular structure.
Regarding whether a virus is considered a living thing, there is debate among scientists. While viruses exhibit some characteristics of life, such as the ability to evolve and infect living organisms, they lack essential features such as metabolic processes and the ability to reproduce on their own. Therefore, many scientists classify viruses as non-living entities.