Intro to Unicellular Organisms

Unicellular Microorganisms

Compare the similarities and differences of the two types of unicellular microorganisms.

Unicellular organisms depend on ONE cell for all its needs.

• Obtain Energy

• Reproduce (Cell Division)

• Ability to Move

• Respond to Their Environment

• Respire (Breathe)

• Eliminate Waste

Two Types of Unicellular Organisms

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes

• Pro (means before) and Kary (means nucleus)

• No Nucleus

• Extremely Small

• Examples include Bacteria and Archaea

Bacteria & Archaea

Bacteria make up most of the prokaryotes. Archaea are typically found in extreme environments such as hot springs or near volcanoes. The difference between bacteria and archaea is their type of cell wall: archaea have a thicker cell wall that is very strong.

Open Ended

Why would Archaea need a thicker, stronger cell wall?

Eukaryotes

• Eu (means true) and kary (means nucleus)

• Has a nucleus

• Some have chloroplasts

• 10 to 100 times larger

• Examples: Amoeba. Euglena, Paramecium (Protists)

Similarities in Cell Parts & Functions

• Cell Membrane

• Cytoplasm

• DNA

• Ribosomes

Multiple Choice

Protists are.....

• single-celled organisms

• live in moist or wet surroundings

• plant-like, animal-like

• all of these

Open Ended

What is the whip-like tail in a euglena?

Open Ended

Volvox are using a short, whip-like structures called?

Multiple Choice

What does amoeba use for locomotion?

• cilia

• flagellum

• pseudopods

• feet

Open Ended

Paramecium contains 2 nuclei one is for______ and the other is for_____

Multiple Choice

Which basic function of life is demonstrated by a single-celled organism using cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia?

• growth

• movement

• homeostasis

• respond to stimuli

Multiple Choice

Which single-celled organisms move using flagella?

• euglena and volvox

• volvox and amoeba

• euglena and paramecium

• paramecium and amoeba

Multiple Choice

Which statement describes all protists?

• They have nuclei.

• They are multicellular.

• They are unable to move on their own.

• They can be seen with the unaided eye.

Multiple Choice

Which organism is this?

• a volvox, because it has cilia

• a euglena, because it has cilia

• an amoeba, because it has cilia

• a paramecium, because it has cilia

Multiple Choice

Which cellular structures are used by protozoans to monitor light quality for photosynthesis?

• cilia

• eyespots

• pseudopods

• contractile vacuoles

Multiple Choice

Which is a difference between a euglena and a volvox?

• shape

• number of nuclei

• method of locomotion

• presence of chloroplast and eyespot

Multiple Choice

Through what cell part would a unicellular organism take in oxygen and get rid of waste?

• Vacuole

• Cell Membrane

• Cytoplasm

Multiple Choice

Most unicellular organisms eat other organisms for food. But some can make their own food through photosynthesis. What cell organelle must they have for this process.

• Nucleus

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplasts