Viruses

The host cell bursts open, releasing the new viruses.

Spherical.

Non-living.

It invades the host cell to reproduce.

They need a host cell.

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

Viruses typically consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.

Viruses are non-living and require a host to reproduce, while bacteria are living organisms that can reproduce independently.

A viral infection occurs when a virus enters a host organism and begins to replicate, often causing disease.

The host cell provides the necessary machinery and environment for the virus to replicate.