Problem 9 - AP Psychology Premium Prep 2021

Question

Viruses and bacteria have which of the following in common? (A) Ribosomes (B) Nucleic acids (C) Flagella (D) Metabolism

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Both viruses and bacteria have genetic material in the form of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA), making this the characteristic they have in common. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) Nucleic acids.

Step 1: Review the basic structures and functions of viruses and bacteria

Viruses are tiny, infectious particles that cannot reproduce on their own. They need to invade a host cell to reproduce, and they contain either DNA or RNA as genetic material. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can reproduce on their own, and they contain DNA as their genetic material.

Step 2: Analyze option A (Ribosomes)

Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. Bacteria contain ribosomes in their cytoplasm to carry out the process of protein synthesis. However, viruses are not considered cells and do not have ribosomes. They rely on the host cell's ribosomes for protein production. Therefore, option A is not a shared characteristic between viruses and bacteria.

Step 3: Analyze option B (Nucleic acids)

As mentioned earlier, both viruses and bacteria contain genetic material. In bacteria, the genetic material is always DNA, whereas in viruses, it can be either DNA or RNA. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of genetic material, so both viruses and bacteria possess nucleic acids. Therefore, option B seems to be the correct choice.

Step 4: Analyze option C (Flagella)

Flagella are long, whip-like structures used for movement (motility) in some cellular organisms. Some bacteria have flagella, which allow them to move towards or away from specific environmental stimuli (such as nutrients or toxins). However, viruses do not have flagella because they lack cellular structures and primarily move by diffusion or the motion of the fluids in their environment. Therefore, option C is not a shared characteristic between viruses and bacteria.

Step 5: Analyze option D (Metabolism)

Metabolism encompasses all of the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. Bacteria are capable of carrying out metabolic processes independently because they have all the necessary cellular machinery. However, viruses are not independently metabolically active, as they do not possess the cellular machinery required for metabolism. They rely on the host cell's metabolism to carry out their functions. Therefore, option D is not a shared characteristic between viruses and bacteria.

Step 6: Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is (B) Nucleic acids. Both viruses and bacteria have genetic material in the form of nucleic acids, making this the characteristic they have in common.