Difference between viruses and bacteria
Viruses and bacteria are pathogens that infect people with diseases. However, there is more than one difference between the two. Find out the most important differences between viruses and bacteria in this guide.
Comparison of viruses and bacteria
- Probably the most important difference between viruses and bacteria is that viruses can only be found within a human Cells can multiply, whereas bacteria do not need a host cell, but instead multiply by themselves share.
- While bacteria are cells, viruses are not. Viruses have genetic information, but not one metabolism. Bacteria have genetic information, have their own metabolism and do not depend on other cells to reproduce.
- A virus goes through two forms. In order to multiply it has to go into a human cell; if it is inside the cell, it is its nucleic acid that is able to control the host cell in such a way that further nucleic acids are formed. To leave the cell, either the cell envelope is destroyed or the virus is channeled out. If the virus leaves the host cell, it is called a virion in medical circles.
- Did you know that bacteria are significantly larger than viruses?
- You may have heard that some viruses in particular are considered carcinogenic. These include, for example, the Epstein-Barr virus, the human papilloma virus or certain hepatitis viruses. As you already know, a virus enters a human cell in order to reproduce there. As the virus gains control of the cell's metabolism, the cell's growth can get out of control. If your immune system cannot fight the cell in such a case, cancer can occur. While many viruses are known to be carcinogenic, most of the bacteria are known to be Helicobacter pylori; this bacterium has been linked to stomach cancer.
Viruses do not have their own metabolism and are therefore dependent on their host; …
The different treatment
- You have certainly received an antibiotic in the past. You received this when you were struggling with, or at least strongly suspected, a bacterial disease.
- An antibiotic works directly on the bacteria. It either prevents the bacteria from multiplying or causes the cell wall to dissolve.
- Perhaps you have already received an antibiotic, but it has not shown any effect. This may have been due to the fact that it may have been a viral disease. Viruses can't with Antibiotics because a different mechanism applies here.
- Since viruses, unlike bacteria, multiply within human cells, it is very difficult for researchers to find a means to develop that does not destroy the human cell at the same time, as is the case, for example, with chemotherapy is.
- Instead, an antiviral drug would have to prevent the virus from entering the cell, from multiplying there, or from subsequently leaking out again.
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