human
What are the main differences between a bacterium and a virus?
assistant
Bacteria and viruses are both microscopic organisms that can cause disease in humans. Bacteria are single-celled, while viruses are much smaller and consist of a single strand of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. Bacteria reproduce by dividing their cells, while viruses infect host cells and use them to replicate themselves. Viruses also have a more limited range of hosts than bacteria.