Bacteria, Viruses, Cells: Differences & Characteristics

  • Thread starter sueanne
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Bacteria
In summary, bacterial cells and plant cells both have chromosomes, with plants having more chromosomes on average. While bacteria and plants do not use glycogen as an energy storage, both do produce cellulose. Viruses are not considered to be cells because they lack the basic components of a cell and are not able to self-replicate to the same extent. The difference in appearance between yeast, bread mould, and field mushrooms can be seen in their cells and colonies under a microscope. Yeast cells are smaller and form colonies through budding, while bread mould cells are larger and form a fuzzy colony. Field mushrooms are edible, while bread mould is poisonous.
  • #1
sueanne
15
0
pls if anyone can answer the following, ill be so grateful...

- do bacterial cells and plant cells have chromosones, glycogen and cellulose??
- why is a virus not considered to be a cell??
- wots the difference between the appearance of yeast, bread mould and the field mushroom?
( is it because yeast is edible, while we can't eat bread mould cos it poisonous)
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
sueanne said:
- do bacterial cells and plant cells have chromosones, glycogen and cellulose??


Chromsome are present in every organism carrying DNA. For most bacteria the there is only 1 chromosome and it is a circle; however several exception exist. Plants also have chromsome and tend to have more chromosome than animals.

For glycongen, only certain type of animals will use glycogen as energy storage. It is not use by bacteria and plant as a energy storage.

For cellulose, both bacteria (for example cyanobacteria) and plant produce cellulose. Urochordates are the only animals that produce cellulose.

sueanne said:
- why is a virus not considered to be a cell??

Because it does not have the basic component of what is consider a cell. Viruse are only a protein coat with or without lipid membrane and a chromosome. A cell needs material that will enable it to self-replicate to a certain extent.


sueanne said:
- wots the difference between the appearance of yeast, bread mould and the field mushroom?
( is it because yeast is edible, while we can't eat bread mould cos it poisonous)

This might give you a clue to what they want. If you look in a microscope and look at the colony of the organism what are the difference.

Budding yeast
Cells
http://wwwuser.gwdg.de/~molmibio/images/yeastnew.jpg
Colony http://biology.clc.uc.edu/fankhauser/Labs/Microbiology/Yeast_Plate_Count/08_yeast_colonies_P7201186.jpg

Bread Mold
Cells
http://www.sciencenmore.com/brmold.jpg
Colony
http://food.oregonstate.edu/images/safety/bread_mold.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
thanks a lot !
 

FAQ: Bacteria, Viruses, Cells: Differences & Characteristics

What are the main differences between bacteria and viruses?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that have a cell wall and can reproduce on their own, while viruses are not considered living organisms and require a host cell to reproduce. Bacteria also have the ability to move on their own, while viruses cannot. Additionally, bacteria can be beneficial or harmful to humans, while viruses are typically harmful.

How do bacteria and viruses differ in their size?

Bacteria are typically much larger than viruses, with an average size of 1-5 micrometers, while viruses are usually 100 times smaller, ranging from 0.02 to 0.3 micrometers. This size difference is also reflected in their genetic material, with bacteria having a larger and more complex genome compared to viruses.

What are the main characteristics of cells?

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms. They are enclosed by a membrane and contain genetic material, which is either DNA or RNA. Cells also have the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to stimuli from their environment. They also carry out various metabolic processes that are essential for sustaining life.

How do bacteria and viruses differ in their mode of transmission?

Bacteria can be transmitted through various means such as direct contact, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through the air. Viruses, on the other hand, are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria, do not have a distinct nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells, found in plants, animals, and fungi, have a well-defined nucleus and various organelles. Eukaryotic cells are also typically larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.

Similar threads

Back
Top