Which of the following best describes a key difference between viruses and bacteria?

• A. Viruses possess ribosomes for protein synthesis, but bacteria do not.
• B. Viruses lack cellular structure, while bacteria are cellular organisms.
• C. Viruses can reproduce independently, but bacteria cannot.
• D. Viruses contain both DNA and RNA, whereas bacteria contain only RNA.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the basic definitions of viruses and bacteria. Viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate, while bacteria are unicellular organisms capable of independent life and reproduction.
2. Step 2: Analyze the statement about ribosomes. Viruses do not possess ribosomes; they rely on the host's ribosomes for protein synthesis. Bacteria, on the other hand, have their own ribosomes.
3. Step 3: Consider the reproductive capabilities. Bacteria can reproduce independently through binary fission, whereas viruses cannot reproduce on their own and must infect a host cell to replicate.
4. Step 4: Examine the genetic material. Viruses contain either DNA or RNA, but not both simultaneously. Bacteria contain DNA as their genetic material, not RNA alone.
5. Step 5: Summarize the key difference: Viruses lack cellular structure and depend on host cells, while bacteria are cellular organisms capable of independent life and reproduction.