Which statement regarding the size of viruses compared to bacteria is correct?

Viruses are indeed smaller than bacteria, which is why this statement is correct. Typically, viruses range in size from about 20 to 300 nanometers, while bacteria are generally much larger, averaging about 1 to 10 micrometers. This significant size difference is crucial in various aspects of microbiology and healthcare, as it influences how these microorganisms are perceived, treated, and managed in clinical and laboratory settings.

Understanding the size differences also impacts sterilization processes, infection control measures, and the development of vaccines, since the strategies employed against viruses might differ fundamentally from those used against bacterial infections. This distinction reinforces the need for specific antimicrobial treatments tailored to each class of microorganism, as their characteristics differ considerably.