EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Bacteria are free-living cells that can live inside or outside a body. Bacteria are prokaryotes-the smallest, simplest and most ancient cells, with free-floating genetic material. These microscopic single-celled organisms can be rod, spiral or spherical in shape.

Detailed explanation-2: -So were they ever alive? Most biologists say no. Viruses are not made out of cells, they can’t keep themselves in a stable state, they don’t grow, and they can’t make their own energy. Even though they definitely replicate and adapt to their environment, viruses are more like androids than real living organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Because bacteria are prokaryotic, they do not have a nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles. In contrast, plants and animals are made up of eukaryotic cells, which means they have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria or golgi apparatus.

Detailed explanation-4: -Living things use energy. Outside of a host cell, viruses do not use any energy. They only become active when they come into contact with a host cell. Once activated, they use the host cell’s energy and tools to make more viruses. Because they do not use their own energy, some scientists do not consider them alive.