Although viruses and bacteria are different, they do share several similarities. Some characteristics common both in viruses and bacteria are explained below:
: Both viruses and bacteria are very tiny and are not seen by naked eyes. Both are found in different forms and can be observed under a microscope.
: Viruses and bacteria can infect a host organism (plant, animal, human or a bacterium) and may cause illness.
: Bacteria and viruses contain a genome.
Word Bank:
Ribosome, macroscopic, infectivity, genetic material, microscope, proteins, phospholipids
The word bank provided is not necessary to answer the question, as the question is asking for characteristics common to both viruses and bacteria.
Both viruses and bacteria are very tiny and can only be observed under a microscope.
Both viruses and bacteria have the ability to infect a host organism and cause illness.
Both viruses and bacteria contain genetic material, although in different forms. Viruses have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, while bacteria have DNA.
While bacteria have ribosomes to synthesize proteins, viruses do not have their own ribosomes and rely on host cell machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce proteins.