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What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?

**Bacteria** are single-celled living organisms with their own metabolism and ribosomes. They can reproduce independently. They're much larger (~1–10 micrometers) and can be killed with **antibiotics**. **Viruses** are not technically alive — they're packets of genetic material (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat. They can't reproduce on their own and must hijack a host cell's machinery. They're much smaller (~20–300 nanometers). Antibiotics don't work on viruses; **antiviral drugs** or vaccines are used. **Key difference in treatment:** Taking antibiotics for a viral infection (like the flu or a cold) doesn't work and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Only use antibiotics for bacterial infections. Examples: - Bacterial: strep throat, UTIs, tuberculosis - Viral: flu, COVID-19, HIV, common cold

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What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?

**Bacteria** are single-celled living organisms with their own metabolism and ribosomes. They can reproduce independently. They're much larger (~1–10 micrometers) and can be killed...

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4,700