Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Is a virus considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 3- 5 sentences . (4 points ) In simple terms
, viruses are much smaller than bacteria and can only reproduce inside a living host cell, while bacteria can reproduce on their own through binary fission. Bacteria have independent metabolism and can survive in various environments, whereas viruses rely on the metabolic machinery of their host cells. Viruses do not have their own cellular structure, unlike bacteria.
Whether a virus is considered a living thing is a matter of debate among scientists. Viruses do not meet all the criteria for life as they cannot replicate or carry out metabolic processes without a host cell. However, they do contain genetic material and can evolve over time, similar to living organisms. Some scientists consider viruses as non-living entities, while others argue that they exhibit certain life-like characteristics and should be classified as living.