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

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.

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