Multicellular organisms
Multicellular Organisms
Multicellular organisms (/mʌltiˈsɛljʊlər ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/), from the Latin multus meaning "many" and cellula meaning "small room", are organisms that consist of more than one cell, in contrast to unicellular organisms.
Definition
Multicellular organisms are organisms that are made up of many cells. This is in contrast to unicellular organisms, which are made up of a single cell. Multicellular organisms can be as simple as a cluster of cells working together, or as complex as a human being.
Characteristics
Multicellular organisms exhibit a high level of cell specialization. This means that different cells have different functions. For example, in humans, there are nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells, each with their own specific functions. This level of specialization allows multicellular organisms to perform complex tasks that unicellular organisms cannot.
Examples
Examples of multicellular organisms include animals, plants, and fungi. Animals and plants are made up of many different types of cells that work together to perform various functions. Fungi, on the other hand, are made up of a network of cells called hyphae that work together to absorb nutrients.
Evolution
The evolution of multicellular organisms is a major milestone in the history of life on Earth. It is believed that multicellular organisms evolved from unicellular organisms through a process of cell division and specialization. This process allowed for the development of complex organisms with a variety of functions and abilities.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Multicellular organisms
- Wikipedia's article - Multicellular organisms
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