Bacteria vs. Virus

What's the difference between a virus and bacteria? A virus is an infectious agent that can't live outside of a host cell. Viruses infect all types of organisms from plants, animals, to bacteria. Viruses are not made of cells but have a protein coat and genes in the form of RNA or DNA. Viruses reproduce by injecting their DNA or RNA into the host cell and use the host cell's machinery to replicate their DNA or RNA. Bacteria are unicellular organisms that are normally on the order of 1-10 micrometers in diameter. They have a cell wall and reproduce by way of binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction. Unlike viruses, bacteria can live outside of a host cell and are present in every habitat on earth. A bacterial culture can double in size every 10 minutes when given the appropriate nutrients. Bacteria can also produce dormant resistant structures called endospores. Endospores can be dormant for hundreds of years and begin reproducing if provided with the appropriate living conditions. Many researchers are focusing their efforst on bacteria and viruses in an attempt to understand these complex organisms. Companies like Corning, BD, and Nalge Nunc all provide supplies for researchers working on these organisms.