Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can reproduce on their own through processes such as binary fission. They are living organisms that play various roles in ecosystems and human health.

Viruses depend on a host cell for replication because they lack the cellular machinery needed for independent reproduction. This key characteristic differentiates them from bacteria.

Bacteria are known to have various shapes including rods (bacilli), spheres (cocci), and spirals. The rod shape is a common form seen in many bacterial species under a microscope.

Unlike bacteria, viruses are not cells and lack cellular structures such as membranes, organelles, and a cell wall. This absence necessitates their reliance on host cells for reproduction.

Bacteria primarily reproduce through binary fission, a process in which a single cell divides to form two identical cells. This method enables rapid reproduction under favorable conditions.

The viral capsid is a protective shell surrounding the viral genetic material and is primarily composed of proteins. This protein coat is crucial for the virus's ability to attach and enter host cells.

Bacteria are living cells that are capable of reproducing independently, often through binary fission. In contrast, viruses require a host cell to replicate, making this the key distinguishing feature.

Viral surface spike proteins are critical for binding to receptors on host cells, which is the first step in the infection process. This interaction determines host specificity and the virus's ability to infect.

Bacteria exchange genetic material through methods such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Mitosis is a process of cell division rather than a method for exchanging genetic information.

Antibiotics are designed to interfere with specific structures and processes in bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis, that viruses lack. This is why they are ineffective against viral infections.

Bacterial spores are a dormant form that enables bacteria to survive extreme conditions such as high heat, desiccation, or chemical exposure. This adaptation allows bacteria to remain viable until the conditions improve.

Gram staining is a fundamental laboratory technique that distinguishes bacteria based on the characteristics of their cell walls. This differentiation is key for guiding antibiotic selection and treatment.

Viruses attach to host cells using specific receptor-binding proteins on their surface. This receptor-mediated entry is essential for the virus to gain access to the host cell's machinery for replication.

Salmonella is a well-known bacterium that causes food poisoning when ingested through contaminated food. In contrast, viruses like influenza or herpes are associated with respiratory or skin infections rather than foodborne illnesses.

A bacteriophage is a virus specifically designed to infect and replicate within bacteria. They are important in regulating bacterial populations and have potential therapeutic uses in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Mutations in viral genetic material can create variations that enable viruses to adapt to changing environments and evade immune responses. This rapid genetic change is a driving force in the evolution of viral strains.

Gram-negative bacteria have an additional outer membrane which serves as a protective barrier against certain antibiotics. This structural feature limits the penetration of drugs, contributing to higher resistance.

A virus relies on its genetic material, which is protected by a protein coat (capsid), to initiate infection in a host cell. This basic structure is essential for the virus's ability to invade and replicate.

Plasmids are extra-chromosomal DNA molecules that can carry genes, including those responsible for antibiotic resistance. They play a key role in horizontal gene transfer, which can spread resistance among bacterial populations.

Bacteriophages infect bacteria and cause them to lyse, thereby reducing bacterial populations. This natural process of predation helps maintain ecological balance and is being explored for therapeutic uses in combating bacterial infections.