Activities

1. Define unicellular.
   
   
2. When does a single celled organism divide into two new cells?
   
   
3. What is a prokaryote?

4. Explain the reproduction of a bacterium cell. How does the parent cell compare to its offspring?
   
   
5. Pick two unicellular organisms. Describe how these organisms make or obtain nutrition.

6. Compare and contrast amoeba and paramecium, including life processes such as locomotion and reproduction.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Unicellular means one single cell.
   
   
2. A single celled organism divides into two when it becomes too large.
   
   
3. A prokaryote is a unicellular organism with few internal structures.
   
   
4. A bacterium cell undergoes asexual reproduction. The cell splits into two offspring cells of the same size and each offspring’s traits are identical to the parent cell.
   
   
5. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Identification of two unicellular organisms and how they make/obtain food.
  Sample response: Euglena contain chloroplasts and make food through photosynthesis, like plants. Amoebas engulf their food, feeding off of bacteria and other protozoans.

6. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Both
  
  • Unicellular organisms
  • Heterotrophs
  • Water-dwelling organisms
• Amoebas
  
  • Locomotion performed using pseudopods
  • Usually has one nucleus
  • Feeds due to phagocytosis
  • Asexual reproduction
  • Changing body shape
• Paramecium
  
  • Locomotion performed using cilia
  • May have more than one nuclei
  • Uses cilia to sweep in food
  • Sexual reproduction
  • Definite body shape