Bacteria and viruses are two completely different kinds of organisms. While viruses are not considered alive, bacteria are true living organisms.

Some of the main differences between bacteria and viruses are their structure, size, and response to medications. Bacteria are single-cell organisms, while viruses are not living organisms. Bacteria are typically much larger than viruses.

Below are some of the features that can be found in bacteria, but not viruses.

DNA

Bacteria have a double-stranded DNA, which is not found in viruses. This DNA contains genetic material, which allows bacteria to adapt and evolve in order to survive changes in their environment. Viruses, on the other hand, have RNA, not DNA. This means they are limited in their ability to evolve and adapt.

Cell Walls

Bacteria have an outer cell wall, which provides them with structural integrity and prevents toxins from entering into the cell. Viruses, however, do not have cell walls.

Reproduction

Bacteria are able to reproduce on their own, while viruses must hijack the genetic machinery of a host cell in order to make more copies of themselves. This means that viruses are more dependent on a host organism than bacteria.

Metabolism

Bacteria are capable of extracting energy from their environment in order to survive and reproduce. Viruses are unable to perform any kind of metabolism on their own, as they are completely dependent on their host cell for their energy requirements.

Conclusion

Bacteria and viruses are two very different sorts of organisms. While viruses lack the features found in bacteria, such as DNA, cell walls, the ability to reproduce on their own, and the ability to extract energy from their environment, bacteria have all of these features.