Basis of differentiation | Multicellular Organisms | Unicellular Organisms |
Definition | Refer to organisms that are composed of more than one cell | Refer to organisms that are composed of a single cell |
Type of body organization | Complex | Simple |
Presence of cell differentiation | Cell differentiation is present | Cell differentiation is absent |
Shape | Have a definite shape | Have irregular shapes |
Exposure to environment | Only the outermost cells are exposed to the environment | Whole cell is exposed to the environment |
Microscope/Macroscopic | Most are macroscopic in nature | Are microscopic in nature |
Cell differentiation | Present | Absent |
Cell functions | Different cells perform different functions | A single cell performs all necessary life processes |
Life span | Have a comparatively longer lifespan | Have a short lifespan |
Effect on injury on the organism | Injury to a cell does not cause the death of the organism | Injury to the cell causes the death of the organism |
Reproduction | May be sexual or asexual | Mostly asexual but sexual reproduction is also seen in the form of conjugation |
Autotrophs/Heterotrophs | Includes autotrophs and heterotrophs | Can be autotrophs or heterotrophs |
Transportation | Occurs by simple diffusion, active and passive transport | Occurs by simple diffusion |
Division of labor | Is at cellular, tissue, organs and organ system level | Is at the organelle level |
Eukaryotes/prokaryotes | Includes only eukaryotes | Includes both eukaryotes and prokaryotes |
Examples | Humans, animals, plants, birds, and insects | Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium, and yeast |