Are viruses different from bacteria ?

                             

Bacteria and virus are commonly assumed as one. Lets explore the difference... 

Structure: 

Starting with the most obvious difference i.e. the structure, bacteria has a cell nucleus, vacuoles, Golgi apparatus, Endoplasmic reticula, or other organelles inside the cells. Bacteria consist of ribosomes, nucleoid (Strand of DNA), a cell wall, cytoplasm, and flagella. A virus has no internal cellular structure, no cell wall, or cell membrane. Viruses consist only of a protein coat that holds a coiled string of nucleic acid.

Reproduction : 

Bacteria are single-celled organisms and reproduce asexually, just like other cells. 

Viruses, being acellular, need a host cell to reproduce in. On reaching the maturity level it exits the cells and continues to find host cells to continue regeneration.  

The following lists some more difference between bacteria and virus : 

• Bacterium is useful and normally is present in our body. Viruses are not.  

• Bacteria reproduce asexually while viruses require a host cell to reproduce and grow in.

• Antibiotics are used for treatment of bacterial infections whereas anti-viral drugs are used for viral infections.

• Viruses can cause deadly cancer such as HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), EBV (Epstein barr virus). The bacteria do not cause cancer.

The study of both the pathogenic organisms has evolved till date. With the aid of technology in-depth research and studies are undertaken to enhance the anti-biotic and anti-viral.