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Difference Between Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms

NEET

Difference Between

Biology

Difference Between Unicellular And Multicellular Organisms

Last updated date: 25th Apr 2024

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In biology, a simple term can be way more complex than its direct meaning. For instance, unicellular and multicellular organisms. At face value, they mean- organisms with one cell and more than one cell. But, is that all there is about characteristics of unicellular and multicellular organisms? No, and that's the reason that there is an explainable difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms. So, are you interested in knowing them? Then all you have to do is- read the article below!

What is Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms?

In the race to learn unicellular and multicellular organisms difference, it's important to understand them individually. Therefore, if you are not already aware of the answer to the question- "what is unicellular and multicellular organisms?" By reading the sub-sections below, you can get the answer!

Unicellular Organisms

Any living being that is composed of a single cell is put under the term- unicellular organism. To play their role in the environment, they carry out different essential life processes. These processes are- metabolism, reproduction, response to stimuli, etc. All of it, the unicellular organisms manage within a single cell. Amongst some popular unicellular organisms are protozoa, bacteria, and different types of algae.

Multicellular Organisms

When more than a single cell comes together and works as a coordinated unit, forming a living being, they are called multicellular organisms. The cells within multicellular organisms are specialised in performing functions specific to them. Thus, they are capable of maintaining the body's overall functioning. Some of the multicellular organisms that are widely known include- animals, fungi, and plants. The multicellularity gives way to increased complexity and labor division amongst the group of cells in multicellular organisms.

Difference Between Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms

There are different reasons for the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms. All cannot be mentioned, but, a few of to explain unicellular and multicellular organisms and the characteristics of unicellular and multicellular organisms are given below:

S.No.	Category	Unicellular Organisms	Multicellular Organisms
1	Definition	Consist of a single cell	Consist of multiple cells
2	Size	Small in size	Vary in size, can be microscopic or macroscopic
3	Complexity	Simple in structure and function	Complex in structure and function
4	Cell Specialisation	Lack of specialised cells and tissues	Specialised cells and tissues perform specific functions
5	Metabolic Requirements	Low metabolic requirements	Higher metabolic requirements
6	Reproduction	Reproduce asexually through binary fission	Reproduce sexually or asexually
7	Energy Acquisition	Obtain energy through simple processes like diffusion	Acquire energy through complex feeding mechanisms
8	Environmental Acquisition	Exhibit rapid adaptation to environmental changes	Adaptation may take longer due to interdependence
9	Gene Transfer	Exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer	Limited gene transfer, primarily vertical inheritance
10	Response to Environment	Respond to stimuli in a limited manner	Respond to stimuli in a coordinated and diverse manner
11	Growth and Development	Grow and develop as a single entity	Exhibit organized growth and development
12	Communication	Limited communication between cell	Extensive intercellular communication
13	Lifespan	Shorter lifespan	Longer lifespan
14	Homeostasis	Simple regulation of internal conditions	Complex regulation of internal conditions
15	Specialised Structures	Lack of specialised structures like tissues and organs	Possess specialised structures like tissues and organs
16	Nutrient Distribution	Minimal ecological impact due to small size	Can have a significant ecological impact
17	Ecological Impact	Minimal ecological impact due to small size	Can have a significant ecological impact
18	Examples	Bacteria, amoeba, yeast, paramecium, etc.	Plants, animals, fungi, algae, etc.

Interesting Features: Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms

All the commonly known features of unicellular and multicellular organisms are discussed above. But, there are some interesting characteristics of unicellular and multicellular organisms. To understand, please read the subsections below:

Unicellular Organisms: Features

Some interesting features of unicellular organisms are mentioned in the points below:

The simplest form of life is unicellular organisms as they have only a single cell.
Their adaptability has a variable range and thus, they can easily survive in diverse environments.
Because unicellular organisms reproduce quickly and their population growth is very rapid, even minutes at times.
Unique structures like feeding and flagella for movement are present in them.
Unicellular organisms like bacteria can form biofilms. This gives them collective protection and cooperation.

Multicellular Organisms: Features

Do you want to learn some interesting features of multicellular organisms? They go through the points below:

The complexity level in multicellular organisms is much higher when compared to unicellular organisms.
There is a division of labor in multicellular organisms because a group of cells is assigned a particular function specific to them.
Because multiple cells work together in multicellular organisms they can achieve complex bodies and large sizes.
Intricate physiological processes take place in multicellular organisms, courtesy of their ability to develop complex organ systems.

Conclusion

In the end, no matter the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms, they are both important. But, knowing the differences is important for you and will help give a clear distinction between the two. Thus, help in making your concepts for NEET- strong. Not only that but you can also learn about distinct features in both unicellular and multicellular organisms. So, why wait? Check out the above article, now to explain unicellular and multicellular organisms.

FAQs on Difference Between Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms

1. Are fungi multicellular or unicellular?

There is no one side that fungi take. Therefore, it neither completely has single-celled organisms nor the more complex multicellular organisms. So, the organisms under the kingdom fungi are divided, where few are unicellular and others are multicellular organisms. And these organisms are largely land-living. Thus, they are found in soil or plant matter more than they're found in freshwater or sea.

2. Are plants unicellular or multicellular?

Plants are multicellular organisms that are predominantly photosynthetic eukaryotes, in the kingdom Plantae. They are composed of multiple cells. And they all work together to form tissues, organs, and complex structures (organ systems). One defining characteristic of plants is multicellularity. It allows them to carry out specialised functions. Alongside this, they can also exhibit a wide range of forms and structures.

3. What are 5 examples of multicellular organisms?

Here are shorter descriptions of five multicellular organisms:

1. Humans: Complex multicellular animals with specialized organs and systems.

2. Dogs: Domesticated animals with complex organ systems.

3. Oak Trees: Multicellular plants with roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive structures.

4. Mushrooms: Multicellular fungi with branching filaments and ecological roles in decomposition.

5. Jellyfish: Aquatic animals with specialized structures for feeding and locomotion.