What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria? What is an example of each?

A virus is non-living and cannot be treated by antibiotics, they do not have a cell wall. Viruses are generally smaller and require a host to survive. A bacteria can be affected by antibiotics and can survive outside of a host. Bacteria can be free-living and do not require a host to reproduce. An example of a virus would be the Herpes virus (Herpes simplex). An example of a bacteria would be MRSA (An antibiotic strain of Staphylococcus aureus).

TR
Answered by Thomas R. Biology tutor

16755 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define the different types of respiration.


How do bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?


Use your knowledge of natural selection to suggest how the peacock's tail has evolved.


Describe how pregnancy tests sticks work.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning