Bacteria vs. Viruses Review

Which of the following is true for both bacteria and viruses?

• both contain genetic material

• can be killed using antibiotics

• have cell organelles

Answer explanation

Both bacteria and viruses contain genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, which is essential for their replication. However, only bacteria can be killed using antibiotics, and viruses lack cell organelles.

Which statement is true about viruses?

• Viruses can eat and metabolize food.

• Viruses can reproduce only using a host cell.

• Viruses can reproduce on their own at any time.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that viruses can reproduce only using a host cell. They lack the cellular machinery to metabolize food or reproduce independently, relying on host cells to replicate.

Medicine used to fight bacterial infections

• vaccines

• antibiotics

• fertilizers

Answer explanation

Antibiotics are specifically designed to combat bacterial infections, making them the correct choice. Vaccines prevent infections, while fertilizers are used for plant growth, not for treating diseases.

Used to prevent the spread of a virus

• vaccines

• antibiotics

• Aspirin

Answer explanation

Vaccines are specifically designed to prevent the spread of viruses by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus. Antibiotics target bacteria, and Aspirin is a pain reliever, not a preventive measure for viruses.

A bacterium reproduces asexually by dividing to form two new bacterial cells. What is the name of the process by which bacteria reproduce?

• meiosis

• budding

• binary fission

Answer explanation

The process by which bacteria reproduce asexually by dividing into two new cells is called binary fission. This method is distinct from meiosis, which is a form of sexual reproduction, and budding, which involves the formation of new individuals from a parent.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

What do viruses need to reproduce?

• More viruses

• A host cell

• Bacteria

Answer explanation

Viruses cannot reproduce on their own; they require a host cell to replicate. They hijack the cellular machinery of the host to produce new virus particles, making 'a host cell' the correct answer.

Can a virus be cured with antibiotics?

• yes

• no

Answer explanation

No, antibiotics are designed to target bacteria, not viruses. Therefore, a virus cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Living cell that does not have a nucleus

• Prokaryote

• Eukaryote

• Virus

Answer explanation

Prokaryotes are living cells that lack a nucleus, distinguishing them from eukaryotes, which do have a nucleus. Viruses are not considered living cells as they cannot reproduce independently.

A disease causing microorganism

• Pathogen

• Mutation

• Antibody

Answer explanation

A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease, making it the correct choice. Mutations refer to changes in genetic material, while antibodies are proteins that help fight infections, not disease-causing agents.

The common cold is caused by a

• Bacteria

• Virus

Answer explanation

The common cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Viruses are responsible for most upper respiratory infections, including the common cold, while bacteria typically cause different types of infections.