Distinguish between unicellular and multicellular organisms. Give two examples
of each.
Answers
Answer:
in unicellular there is single cell where as in multicellular there is many cells
Explanation:
Organisms Multicellular Organisms
Unicellular organisms are composed of a single cell Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one cell
Simple body organization Complex body organization
A single cell carries out all necessary life processes Multiple cells perform different functions
The total cell body is exposed to the environment Only the outer cells are exposed to the environment
Division of labour is at the organelle level Division of labour is at cellular, tissue, organs and organ system level
Includes both eukaryotes and prokaryotes Includes only eukaryotes
A lifespan of a unicellular organism is usually short Multicellular organisms have a comparatively longer lifespan
Injury to the cell leads to the death of the organism Injury to a cell does not cause the death of the multicellular organism
Asexual reproduction is predominant, however, sexual reproduction is also seen (conjugation) Reproduction happens sexually as well as asexually
Cell differentiation is absent Cell differentiation is present
They can be autotrophs or heterotrophs They include both autotrophs and heterotrophs
They are microscopic in nature Most are macroscopic in nature
Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium and yeast are examples of unicellular organisms Humans, animals, plants, birds and insects, are examples of multicellular organisms
Also refer: Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Unicellular Organisms
As the name implies, unicellular organisms are made up of a single cell. They are the oldest form of life, with fossil records dating back to about 3.8 billion years ago. Bacteria, amoeba, Paramecium, archaea, protozoa, unicellular algae, and unicellular fungi are examples of unicellular organisms. These unicellular organisms are mostly invisible to the naked eye, hence, they are also referred to as microscopic organisms. Most of the unicellular organisms are also prokaryotes.