Unicellular vs Multicellular Review

​Unicellular Organism

A unicellular organism is a living thing made up of just one cell. That single cell does everything needed to keep the organism alive, like getting nutrients, growing, and reproducing.

A few important characteristics of unicellular organisms are:

• very simple in structure

• short lifespan, few hours to several days

• reproduced asexually (without a mate)

• must carry out all life processes within one cell

Multicellular Organism

A multicellular organism is a living thing made up of many cells. Each cell has a special job, and they all work together to keep the organism alive. These organisms can grow bigger and more complex than single-celled ones.

A few important characteristics of multicellular organisms are:

• more complex

• longer lifespan

• can be seen with the naked eye

• allow for a division of labor for carrying out life processes

​Unicellular vs Multicellular

Examples of unicellular organisms include:

• bacteria

• protozoa

• and some types of algae and fungi.

Examples of multicellular organisms include:

• plants

• animals (including humans)

• and most fungi.

Multiple Choice

Which type of organism must carry out all life processes within one cell?

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

A _____ organism can reproduce quickly.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Drag and Drop

Multicellular organisms can often repair

damaged tissues, because multicellular organisms have ​

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that divide to replace damaged cells.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

specialized cells

a single cell

Multiple Choice

An amoeba is a _____ organism.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

A mushroom is a _____ organism.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Categorize

Options (5)

typically longer lifespan

can be seen with the naked eye

perform life processes

short lifespan, few hours to several days

very simple in structure

Organize the descriptions into the correct category.

Unicellular

Multicellular

Both

Multiple Choice

paramecium

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

A turtle is a _____ organism.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

An earthworm is a _____ organism.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

A bacterium is a _____ organism.

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

Which type of organism has large groups of cells work together to perform specific tasks?

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

Which type of organism always reproduces asexually (without a mate)

• unicellular

• multicellular

Drag and Drop

​

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organisms allow for a division of labor for carrying out life processes. ​

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organisms must carry out all life processes within one cell.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Multicellular

Unicellular

Multiple Choice

Sue and Allie read about different kinds of organisms. They read about an organism with a respiratory system, digestive system, skeletal system, and muscular system.

Which can Sue and Allie most likely conclude about this organism?

• The organism is unicellular.
• This organism is microscopic.
• The organism is multicellular.
• The organism does not have any cells.

Multiple Choice

Which type of organism usually requires a microscope to see?

• unicellular

• multicellular

Multiple Choice

Protists and bacteria are both single-celled organisms. What do they most likely have in common?

• Both have many specialized cells that work together in tissues.

• Both are made of one cell that carries out all life processes.

• Both need sunlight and nutrients from the soil to be able to grow.