Bacteria, Viruses, and ProtistsVirus Basics |
How do viruses compare to bacteria? |
A virus and a bacterium have numerous differences. The following lists some of the general differences:
Characteristic |
Bacteria |
Viruses |
Able to pass through bacteriological filters |
No |
Yes |
Contains a plasma membrane |
Yes |
No |
Contains ribosomes |
Yes |
No |
Possesses genetic material |
Yes |
Yes |
Requires a living host to multiply |
No |
Yes |
Sensitive to antibiotics |
Yes |
No |
Sensitive to interferon |
No |
Yes |