Question

10 multiple choice 8 points
some information about bacteria and viruses is shown:

which argument about bacteria and viruses is supported by this information?
bacterial infections are easier to prevent and treat than viral infections.
both bacteria and viruses are surrounded by protective coverings, though the composition of each covering may be different.
both bacteria and viruses lack a nucleus, so they cannot acquire new characteristics.
bacteria are larger than viruses, but bacteria are too small to host viruses.

Explanation:

• For the first option: Bacteria have antibiotics to kill them directly, while viruses' antiviral meds only slow reproduction. Vaccines are for prevention for both. So bacteria (with direct - kill treatment) seem easier to treat in terms of treatment (though prevention is similar via vaccines). But let's check other options.
• For the second option: Bacteria have a cell wall and cell membrane (protective coverings), viruses have a protein coat (and maybe viral envelope). So both have protective coverings with different compositions.
• For the third option: Just because they lack a nucleus doesn't mean they can't acquire new characteristics. Bacteria can get new genes via horizontal gene transfer (e.g., plasmid transfer), and viruses can mutate.
• For the fourth option: Some viruses can infect bacteria (bacteriophages). So the claim that bacteria are too small to host viruses is wrong.

Answer:

B. Both bacteria and viruses are surrounded by protective coverings, though the composition of each covering may be different.