Viruses and bacteria are both microorganisms, but they differ in several ways. Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a cellular structure, while viruses are acellular particles that consist of genetic material encased in a protein coat. While bacteria are considered living due to their ability to reproduce and metabolize, viruses are often regarded as non-living entities as they rely on host cells to reproduce and lack important characteristics of life, such as cellular structure and independent metabolism.
