Bacteria are living organisms that can reproduce independently, while viruses are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate. Bacteria are larger, have complex structures, and can ...

Even single cell organisms like bacteria can reproduce independently on surfaces outside the body, but viruses can only survive for a while outside host cells.

Unlike living cells, viruses cannot on their own carry out the biochemical processes needed to reproduce. They must be inside a living cell to function and produce more viruses.

Most organisms fit comfortably into standard definitions of “life,” i.e., cells that grow, reproduce independently, and generate energy. Viruses have always been an exception, sitting in a ...

Viruses need to enter a living body to reproduce. When they do, they hijack that body’s cellular machinery and cause it to make more copies of the virus.

One such machinery is the viruses’ lack of ability to produce their own energy. To get the energy they need to complete replication, they hijack the host’s energy supply to reproduce within ...

Viruses consist only of a DNA or RNA genome wrapped in a protein coat, and they must infiltrate into cells in order to reproduce. Having invaded a suitable cell, a virus essentially reprograms it ...