Single-celled Organisms
Single-celled organisms, also known as unicellular organisms, are living things that consist of only a single cell. Despite being composed of a single cell, these organisms carry out all the functions necessary for life.
Characteristics of Single-celled Organisms
- Cell Structure: Single-celled organisms can vary widely in their cell structure. They may have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material, but the specific structures can differ based on the type of organism.
- Metabolism: These organisms carry out essential metabolic processes within their single cell, such as respiration, digestion, and reproduction.
- Movement: Some single-celled organisms are capable of movement through structures like flagella or cilia.
- Reproduction: Single-celled organisms reproduce through processes such as binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical cells.
- Adaptation: They have the ability to adapt to their environment through mechanisms like changing their cell membrane composition or altering their metabolic processes.
Examples of Single-celled Organisms
There are various types of single-celled organisms, including:
Study Guide
When studying single-celled organisms, it's important to focus on the following areas:
- Understanding the structure and function of a typical single cell.
- Exploring the diverse metabolic processes carried out by single-celled organisms.
- Comparing and contrasting the different types of single-celled organisms, including their unique characteristics and adaptations.
- Studying the reproductive strategies of single-celled organisms.
- Investigating the ecological roles of single-celled organisms and their significance in various ecosystems.
◂Biology Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Pond Microlife
Worksheet/Answer key
Pond Microlife 
Worksheet/Answer key
Pond Microlife Worksheet/Answer key
Pond Microlife Vocabulary/Answer key
Pond Microlife Vocabulary/Answer key
Pond Microlife Vocabulary/Answer key
Pond Microlife Vocabulary/Answer key
Pond Microlife
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.
The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.
The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)
The student will use appropriate methods for communicating in writing and orally the processes and results of scientific investigation.
The student will use, explain, and/or construct various classification systems.
The student will describe similarities and differences when explaining concepts and/or principles.
Concepts Of Biology: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major biological concepts to explain the uniqueness and interdependence of living organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the continuation of life on earth.
The student will be able to explain the correlation between the structure and function of biologically important molecules and their relationship to cell processes.
The student will be able to compare the transfer and use of matter and energy in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic organisms.
The student will demonstrate an understanding that all organisms are composed of cells which can function independently or as part of multicellular organisms.
The student will explain processes and the function of related structures found in unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Environmental Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major environmental science concepts to understand interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental issues and their solutions.
The student will investigate the interdependence of organisms within their biotic environment.
The student will explain how organisms are linked by the transfer and transformation of matter and energy at the ecosystem level (At least - Photosynthesis/respiration; Producers, consumers, decomposers; Trophic levels; Pyramid of energy/pyramid of biomass).