Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Is a virus considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 3–5 sentences..
Viruses are non-living entities that rely on a host cell to reproduce, while bacteria are living organisms that can reproduce on their own. Viruses consist of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat, whereas bacteria are single-celled organisms with a cell wall and membrane. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and can only infect specific types of cells, while bacteria can infect a wide range of hosts and environments.
Whether or not a virus is considered a living thing is a matter of debate among scientists. Some argue that viruses do not fulfill all the criteria for life since they cannot carry out metabolic processes or reproduce on their own. Others argue that viruses display characteristics of life when they infect a host cell and replicate. Ultimately, the classification of viruses as living or non-living may depend on the criteria used to define life.
use simpler terms
Viruses are tiny, non-living particles that need a living host to reproduce, while bacteria are single-celled living organisms that can grow and multiply on their own. Viruses are like genetic instructions wrapped in a protein coat, while bacteria are like tiny living cells with a protective wall. Viruses only infect specific cells, while bacteria can infect a wide variety.
Whether viruses are considered alive is a bit tricky. Some scientists say they are not alive because they cannot do things like eat or grow on their own. Others say they show signs of life when they infect a host and make copies of themselves. It all depends on how you define "alive."