What are the major differences between single celled organisms and multi-cellular organisms in how they acquire nutrients and remove wastes?
The major differences between single-celled organisms and multi-cellular organisms in acquiring nutrients and removing wastes are as follows:
1. Single-celled organisms:
- Single-celled organisms are made up of only one cell, which is responsible for all life processes.
- They acquire nutrients directly from their environment through processes such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
- Waste elimination in single-celled organisms primarily occurs through the diffusion of waste materials out of the cell membrane.
2. Multi-cellular organisms:
- Multi-cellular organisms are made up of specialized cells that have specific functions and work together for the survival of the organism.
- Nutrient acquisition in multi-cellular organisms is more complex, as different cells and tissues have different functions. Some cells are specialized for processing and absorbing nutrients, while others are responsible for transport or storage.
- Multi-cellular organisms have specialized organs and systems, such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and circulatory system, which work collectively to acquire and transport nutrients.
- Waste removal in multi-cellular organisms occurs through specialized organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs. These organs filter and eliminate waste materials from the body through excretion, respiration, and other processes.
In summary, single-celled organisms rely on simple diffusion and osmosis to acquire nutrients and remove waste, while multi-cellular organisms have specialized organs and systems for nutrient acquisition and waste removal.