What is the difference between virus and bacteria in terms of structure and metabolism?
They are very different in their structure, resilience and their reproductive process. Bacteria can reproduce by themselves, however, viruses need a host. A virus will latch on to a host cell and more or less change it’s genetic makeup. Bacteria will feed of human cells and excrete a toxin afterwards (this sets off the immune system also). Most antibiotics will ‘kill’ the bacteria by wrapping around it so it can’t reproduce. There are special antibodies that do this (located in different parts of the body, eg: bone marrow). Viruses can’t really be killed, just suppressed and symptoms aided. There are some very serious viruses (HIV) and some that are mild. It’s usually best to let a virus run it’s course. Hope this helps!
