How do bacteria and viruses enter human cells?

Bacteria are much larger than viruses, and they are too large to be taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis. ... When droplets of water containing L. read more

The two microorganisms have quite a different way of damaging human cells, but the point is while viruses do enter human cells and deal damage within, bacteria do not. The viruses latch onto the cell membranes of our human cells, and they inject their DNA into the cell itself. read more

Question Date: 2003-04-28: Answer 1: Both viruses and bacteria can enter the body different ways. You can eat them if they are in a certain type of food or live in the animal or plant you are eating. You can get them from the water, either swimming in it or drinking it. read more

Some enveloped viruses can dissolve right through the cell membrane of the host because both the virus envelope and the cell membrane are made of lipids. Those viruses that do not enter the cell must inject their contents (genetic instructions, enzymes) into the host cell. read more