Which of the following represents the best argument that supports the similarities and differences among
viruses and bacteria?
A. Viruses lack cellular structure and metabolism, relying on a host cell to replicate, while bacteria are single-
celled organisms with their own metabolic processes and can replicate independently.
B. Viruses contain both DNA and RNA as their genetic material, allowing for rapid evolution and adaptation,
whereas bacteria predominantly contain DNA as their genetic material.
C. Viruses primarily cause diseases in animals and plants, often leading to specific symptoms, while bacteria can
cause a wide range of diseases and also play crucial roles in various ecological processes.
D. Viruses have a larger size range compared to bacteria, ranging from 20 nanometers to over 400 nanometers,
while bacteria typically range from 0.2 to 10 micrometers in size.