Compare and Contrast Compare and contrast the differences you find between the two specimen. Specimen 1 Specimen 2

Bacteria vs Viruses -A virus is a shell of protein surrounding genetic material -A virus is not living and requires a host cell to reproduce -Some viruses are benign, but many harm their host organism by destroying or altering its cell structures -Generally, the body perceives viruses as antigens and produces antibodies to counteract the virus

Bacteria vs Viruses -Bacteria are organisms with a full cellular structure and much larger than viruses; they can be benign or harmful -They divide to reproduce -Harmful bacteria and their toxins are perceived as antigens by the body, which produces antibodies

Bacteria vs Viruses -Sometimes infectious diseases may be treated with antiseptics, which are chemicals that destroy or inactivate the infecting organism -Antiseptics are also useful in decontaminating surfaces with which the body may come in contact (e.g., countertops)

Bacteria vs Viruses -Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections by destroying or interfering with the growth of bacterial cell walls or the functioning of cell wall physiology or by inhibiting bacterial synthesis of DNA, RNA, or proteins -Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections -It is important to use antibiotics appropriately in order to prevent the rise of super bacteria, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria which occurs through natural selection