Viruses are infectious agents that do not have cells and require a host cell to multiply. They contain either DNA or RNA and come in a wide range of sizes. Viruses infect hosts by taking over the host cell's functions to produce more viruses, either through a lytic or lysogenic cycle. Some viruses can cause diseases by disrupting cell functions or initiating cancer. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells that can be harmful or helpful pathogens. They reproduce through binary fission and cause diseases by attaching to and damaging cells. Examples of bacterial infections include syphilis and gonorrhea.