Pathogens are disease-causing organisms which can infect humans. Bacteria and viruses are two examples of pathogens. Explain the differences between bacteria and pathogens and give an example of each.

Bacteria:Contain naked DNAHave a cell wall, membrane and organelles - RibosomesAre cellsLarger than virusesCan survive without living hostCan be treated with antibioticsexample: Staphylococcus aureusViruses:Are much smaller than bacteriaEnter living host cellsDo not have a cell wall or organelles- protein coat, capsid, DNA or RNAUse host cell machinery to reproduceDestroy host cell to spread viral particlesCannot survive without a living hostDo not respond to antibioticsExample: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

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Answered by Tabitha G. Biology tutor

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