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1. Comparing different types of organisms

Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell that performs all necessary metabolic functions, while colonial organisms are groups of unicellular cells living together that can specialize to enhance efficiency. Multicellular organisms are made up of various specialized cells that work together, but these cells cannot survive independently. Each type of organism has distinct advantages and disadvantages related to their structure and function.

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16 views

1. Comparing different types of organisms

Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell that performs all necessary metabolic functions, while colonial organisms are groups of unicellular cells living together that can specialize to enhance efficiency. Multicellular organisms are made up of various specialized cells that work together, but these cells cannot survive independently. Each type of organism has distinct advantages and disadvantages related to their structure and function.

Uploaded by

shen yan
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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11-BIO9.1.

1 compare the differences between unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms

Comparing different types of organisms

Unicellular organisms

Unicellular organisms are made up of one cell that has to carry out all
metabolic processes. This cell could be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles. Their
simple structure limits the number of reactions they can carry out.
Eukaryotic cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles,
increasing the efficiency of metabolic reactions. Cells of unicellular
organisms have a high SA:V, which allows efficient movement of
substances into and out of the cell.

Colonial organisms

Colonial organisms are thought to be


the evolutionary link between
unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Colonial organisms are composed of
individual cells living together in a
colony. All cells in the colony are
capable of carrying out all of the
metabolic functions necessary for life;
however, simple specialised cells can
be present in the colony to improve the efficiency of functioning of the organism. Two examples of
colonial organisms are Volvox and choanoflagellates.

Multicellular organisms

Multicellular organisms are composed of many different types of specialised cells. Similar specialised
cells are grouped together and perform specific functions that combine for the efficient functioning of the
organism. Individual cells in multicellular organisms cannot live independently of each other.
11-BIO9.1.1 compare the differences between unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms

Hierarchy of structural organisation


11-BIO9.1.1 compare the differences between unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms

Questions

1. a) Which of the three types of organisms (multicellular, unicellular and colonial) would
have been the earliest form of life?
Unicellular organisms are the earliest form of life.

b) Can cells within a multicellular organism live independently of other cells?


Cannot live independently of other cells.

c) Which has the higher SA:V – multicellular organisms or unicellular organisms?


Unicellular organisms have a higher SA:V

d)Name the two broad categories of unicellular organisms.


Two broad categories of unicellular organisms are either eukaryotic or prokaryotic.

2. Can colonial organisms show some simple specialisation of cells?


Simple specialised cells can be present in the colony to improve the efficiency of
functioning of the organism.

3. Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of:


a) unicellular organisms
Cells of unicellular organisms have a high SA:V, which allows efficient movement of
substances into and out of the cell. However, one of the disadvantage of unicellular
organisms include limit the number of reactions they can carry out.

b) colonial organisms
Colonial organisms have advantages such as can improve the efficiency in of functioning
of the organism. However, the disadvantages included decrease freedom of movement.

c) multicellular organisms.
multicellular organisms have advantages include Similar specialised cells are grouped
together and perform specific functions that combine for the efficient functioning of the
organism. Individual cells in multicellular organisms cannot live independently of each
other.

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