What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria? What is an example of each?

A virus is non-living and cannot be treated by antibiotics, they do not have a cell wall. Viruses are generally smaller and require a host to survive. A bacteria can be affected by antibiotics and can survive outside of a host. Bacteria can be free-living and do not require a host to reproduce. An example of a virus would be the Herpes virus (Herpes simplex). An example of a bacteria would be MRSA (An antibiotic strain of Staphylococcus aureus).

TR
Answered by Thomas R. Biology tutor

16741 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between diffusion, osmosis and active transport?


1.1 Write out the base sequence of the complimentary strand of DNA for the following DNA sequence (ATGGCTACG) (2 marks). 1.2 How many amino acids does the DNA sequence code for? (1 mark)


How does negative feedback work?


What are the different ways in which substances can move across cell membranes?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning