• Question: do germs have germs

    Asked by imannadim to Ivan, James, Jessica, Nicola, Sarah on 18 Nov 2013. This question was also asked by thejennidsc.
    • Photo: Sarah Tesh

      Sarah Tesh answered on 18 Nov 2013:

      To be honest, I don’t know! I was never a fan of that type of science (biology) because I’m really squeamish and don’t like bugs etc. Hopefully one of the other scientists can be a lot more helpful!

    • Photo: Jessica Liley

      Jessica Liley answered on 18 Nov 2013:

      Hmm interesting one.. usually people think of germs as bacteria and these infect organisms which are much bigger than themselves. But viruses are much much smaller than bacteria (about 100 times smaller). I just had a quick look up on this, and apparently in World War 1 scientists discovered some viruses called “bacteriophages” (literally means “bacteria eaters”!) and these can infect and destroy bacteria, so I guess yes is the answer…germs can get germs!

    • Photo: Nicola Potts

      Nicola Potts answered on 18 Nov 2013:

      I had no idea until I read Jessica’s response!

      Interesting though!

    • Photo: Ivan Campeotto

      Ivan Campeotto answered on 19 Nov 2013:

      Yes, Bacteria can be attacked not only by viruses but also by other bacteria as well. For example, the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus attacks other bacteria.

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