A virus differs from a bacterium as its contains

Options

A. (a) a cell wall
B. (b) cytosol
C. (c) DNA as genetic material
D. (d) DNA or RNA as genetic material with no ribosome

Answer

To solve the question "A virus differs from a bacterium as it contains:", we will analyze the characteristics of viruses and bacteria step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding the Basic Structure
- **Viruses**: Viruses are non-living entities that do not have a cellular structure. They are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses may also have an outer lipid envelope.
- **Bacteria**: Bacteria are living cells that have a well-defined cellular structure. They possess a cell wall, cytoplasm (cytosol), and cellular machinery including ribosomes.

**Hint**: Remember that viruses are non-cellular and lack a complete cellular structure, while bacteria are cellular and have a defined structure.

### Step 2: Cell Wall Presence
- **Viruses**: Viruses do not have a cell wall. Instead, they have a protective protein coat (capsid).
- **Bacteria**: Bacteria have a rigid cell wall that provides structure and protection.

**Hint**: Focus on the structural differences; viruses lack a cell wall, while bacteria possess one.

### Step 3: Cytosol Presence
- **Viruses**: Viruses do not have cytosol. They rely on the host cell's machinery for replication and metabolism.
- **Bacteria**: Bacteria contain cytosol, which is the fluid component of the cell where cellular processes occur.

**Hint**: Consider the components that are essential for cellular function; viruses do not have cytosol.

### Step 4: Genetic Material
- **Viruses**: Viruses can contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. They do not have ribosomes and cannot synthesize proteins on their own.
- **Bacteria**: Bacteria have DNA as their genetic material and possess ribosomes to synthesize proteins.

**Hint**: Pay attention to the type of genetic material; viruses can have either DNA or RNA, while bacteria have only DNA.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct option that highlights how a virus differs from a bacterium is:
- **D: DNA or RNA**. This is because viruses can contain either DNA or RNA, whereas bacteria only contain DNA.

**Final Answer**: D: DNA or RNA