Friday, December 8, 2017

Virus vs. Bacteria

This page lists some sites you can use to research the differences between viruses and bacteria. 

The WebMD site puts it well, "Although bacteria and viruses are both too small to be seen without a microscope, they're as different as giraffes and goldfish." While giraffes and goldfish are very different, they're also very similar. I'd argue that viruses are even more different from bacteria than goldfish are from giraffes. 

Take notes on the basic characteristics and effects of viruses and bacteria. Organize your notes carefully so you can really compare viruses and bacteria. Use at least three sites. Include the following information: 

What are their structures like? What are they made of, and how are they put together. Drawing and labeling a diagram would be a great way to show this. 

How do they function? Where do they get their energy? Do they eat? Do they do photosynthesis? 

Are they plants or animals or even alive? 

How do they reproduce? 

What are several examples of each? 

How do viruses and bacteria affect humans? Are they always bad for us? Are there any helpful ones? 

What are some diseases can they cause? How can those diseases be treated? Should they be treated with antibiotics...why or why not? 


Links: 

Bio for Kids site
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_main.html
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_virus.html
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_bacteria.html

WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bacterial-and-viral-infections#1 

Mayo Clinic Online
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20058098 

Molecular Expressions 
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/index.html
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/virus.html  
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/bacteriacell.html

Diffen.Com
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Bacteria_vs_Virus 

HealthMe
https://www.healthymepa.com/2017/02/21/do-you-need-antibiotics/

Microbiology Info 
https://microbiologyinfo.com/differences-between-bacteria-and-viruses/