Question

What are some differences and similarities between cellular (bacteria, fungi, etc.) and acellular (viruses and prions) agents?

Answer 1

The main differences between cellular and acellular agents are as follows:

1. While cellular agents such as bacteria and fungi can remain alive both outside and inside of their hosts, the acellular agents only become living inside their hosts. They are considered non-living outside the hosts' body.
2. The cellular organisms typically contain their own genetic material and can synthesize their own proteins, this is not true for the acellular components. The acellular agents utilize the machinery of their hosts to synthesie the proteins.
3. A system of organelles with well-defined roles is sometimes found in cellular agents (but not all). However, this system is entirely absent from all acellular agents.
4. The structural make-up of cellular organisms is more complicated than those of acellular organisms.