Unlike bacteria, viruses are parasitic and grow only within other cells. They can cause great harm as they invade cells, multiply within, and kill host cells before moving on to the conquest of other cells. A virus's damaging parasitic ability depends on its coating or surface. This reliance renders viruses vulnerable to simple substances like hypochlorous acid, or household bleach, which destroys these pathogens by damaging their all-important surface properties. Conversely, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and destroy only bacteria.
Viruses are able to grow only in certain types of cells.
The polio virus has an affinity for the nervous system. Cellular reactions to viral invasions vary widely. Alternatively, hyperplasia may cause cells to grow malignantly, generating tumor formation. This family of organisms includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Extremely diverse, the fungi family lives on soil, on plants, and in water.