6.04 Bacteria vs. Viruses

Time to Reflect

Being educated about bacteria and viruses is important in many ways. We are confronted with both bacteria and viruses in our everyday routines. Knowing what causes an illness helps us in trying to prevent diseases. In addition, when a person or one of our animals does get sick, knowing whether it is a bacterial infection or a virus helps doctors and veterinarians prescribe the best treatment possible.

• Bacteria are living organisms.
• Viruses are not living because they do not contain a cell membrane or other parts normally associated with a cell.
• Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but not ones caused by viruses. Other drugs called antivirals must be used to fight viruses.

Reporting in:

Time to talk with your tour supervisor (your instructor).

As required by your contract with BioVentures Unlimited, you must report in on a regular basis and talk with your tour supervisor about your recent activities.

For this report session:

• You will be asked about the comparisons you've just made between bacteria and viruses.
• Prepare for this call ahead of time!
• If you have any questions about your recent activities, take the time to write the questions down so you can ask your travel supervisor about them.

Remember to have your Travel Log, especially your Bacteria vs. Viruses Venn Diagram, with you for the oral assessment.

To fulfill this requirement, contact your travel supervisor (instructor) as soon as possible for a phone call. He or she is looking forward to hearing from you!

Tour Debrief

You have completed this activity if you have:

• added the new terms and their meanings to your Module 6 Glossary Sheet
• completed the Bacteria vs. Viruses Venn Diagram comparing bacteria and viruses
• completed the Oral Assessment with a biology instructor