Difference between Unicellular organisms and Multicellular organisms: Present-day cells share common fundamental properties. For instance, all cells employ DNA as their genetic material, surrounded by a plasma membrane, and use the same basic mechanisms for energy metabolism. On the other hand, present-day cells have evolved a variety of different life-styles. Many organisms, such as bacteria (both archaebacteria and eubacteria), protozoa (e.g., amoeba) and yeasts consists of single cells (called unicellular organisms) that are capable of independent self-replication More complex organisms, called multicellular organisms, are composed of collections of cells that function in a coordinated manner, with different cells specialized to perform the particular tasks.
The human body, for example, composed of more than 200 different kinds of cells. Each specialized for such distinctive functions as memory, sight, movement and digestion. The diversity exhibited by the many different kinds of cells is striking; for example, consider the differences between bacteria and the cells of human brain.
All cells, whether they exists as one celled organisms (unicellular organisms). Or as a part of multicellular organisms are capable of carrying out certain basic functions. Such as nutrition, respiration, growth and reproduction. These functions are essential for the survival of the cells.
Difference between Unicellular organisms and Multicellular organisms
| Unicellular organisms | Multicellular organisms |
| An unicellular organism is represented by a single cell. | A multicellular organism consists of large number of cells. |
| All activities of the organisms are performed by a single cell. | A single cell performs one or few activities of the organisms. |
| There is no division of labour as the single cell perform all life activities. | Cells are specialized to perform different functions of the body so that there is a division of labour within cells. |
| Reproduction consumes a single cell. | Only some cells of the body called germ cells take part in reproduction. Other cells (somatic cells) remain intact. |
| The life span of an individual is short. | The life span of an individual is long. |
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