How does a virus differ from bacteria?

The reason for selecting the option that states viruses require a host cell to reproduce, whereas bacteria can live independently, is rooted in the fundamental biological characteristics of both entities.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they cannot replicate or carry out metabolic processes on their own; they must invade a host cell and hijack its machinery to produce new virus particles. This dependency on a host cell for reproduction is a defining feature of viruses, distinguishing them clearly from bacteria.

In contrast, bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently through processes like binary fission. They possess the necessary cellular structures and metabolic pathways to grow and divide without requiring a host.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it highlights the different ways these microorganisms interact with their environments and influences how they are treated in healthcare and biotechnological applications.