bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 24, Problem 1CC
Summary Introduction

To describe: The differences between a virus and a bacterium.

Introduction: A pathogen is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. It is most commonly used for agents that disrupt the normal physiology of a multicellular animal or plant. The most prevalent infectious diseases are caused by bacterial and viral pathogens.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Bacteria and viruses are different from each other in several ways. The following table explains the differences between a virus and a bacterium:

CriteriaVirusBacterium
StructureA virus does not have a cell. It consists of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a coat of viral proteins called as capsid. Some viruses have an envelope of proteins and phospholipids derived from their host’s cell membrane.The bacterium is a cell. It has a cell membrane that is often enclosed by a cell wall. Some bacteria also have an additional protective layer called as capsule.
Living conditions and reproductionViruses are obligate parasites, which mean they need a host organism to live on and get nutrients from its host. They must use the intracellular machinery of a host cell to replicate.Most bacteria can survive and reproduce outside a host if they have the required nutrients, temperature, pH, and so on.
Susceptibility to drugsSome viral infections can be managed with antiviral drugs that target definite stages of viral replication.Most bacteria are susceptible to drugs called antibiotics. These drugs act can kill them or inhibit their growth.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
What Is A Virus ? ; Author: Peekaboo Kidz;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY