What is a key difference between how viruses and bacteria typically reproduce?
AViruses need to infect a host cell to reproduce, while bacteria can reproduce independently
BBoth reproduce in exactly the same way
CBacteria need a host cell to reproduce, while viruses reproduce independently
DViruses can reproduce independently, while bacteria cannot reproduce at all
Explanation
Viruses are not able to reproduce on their own and must infect a living host cell, hijacking its cellular machinery to make copies of themselves, whereas bacteria are independent single-celled organisms capable of reproducing on their own through a process called binary fission. This fundamental difference is part of why antibiotics, which typically target processes specific to independently living bacterial cells, are not effective against viruses. Because of this reliance on host cells, some scientists debate whether viruses should even be classified as fully living organisms. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.
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