Self-Instruct
Viruses and bacteria are two types of microorganisms that can cause infections and illnesses in humans. While they are both microscopic, they have some major differences.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live in many different environments, including in and on the human body. Bacteria can cause infection when they enter the body and multiply. Some bacteria are beneficial and even necessary for human life, while others can cause illnesses. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Viruses, on the other hand, are not living organisms. They are tiny particles made up of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and must invade a cell in order to replicate. Once inside the cell, they can cause the cell to produce more viruses. Viruses can cause a range of illnesses, from the common cold to more serious diseases such as HIV and Ebola. Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections.
In summary, bacteria are living organisms that can cause infections and illnesses, while viruses are non-living particles that must invade a cell in order to replicate and cause illnesses.