What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms? List one example of each organism.
The primary difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms lies in their structural organization.
Unicellular organisms: These are composed of a single cell that performs all the necessary functions for survival. They are classified as living organisms capable of independent life. Unicellular organisms include bacteria, archaea, and most protists. An example of a unicellular organism is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Multicellular organisms: These are composed of multiple cells that are specialized and organized into different tissues or organ systems. Each type of cell has a specific function for the overall functioning and survival of the organism. Multicellular organisms include plants, animals, and fungi. An example of a multicellular organism is the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
The main difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms lies in the number of cells that make up their structure and function.
Unicellular organisms, as the name suggests, are made up of a single cell. This means that all essential functions, such as nutrition, respiration, reproduction, and response to stimuli, are carried out by a single cell. Examples of unicellular organisms include bacteria, yeast, and amoeba.
On the other hand, multicellular organisms are composed of multiple cells that are specialized to perform specific functions. These cells come together to form tissues, organs, and systems for more efficient functioning. Examples of multicellular organisms include plants, animals (such as humans), fungi, and algae.