Example of Multicellular Organisms
Biology / / July 04, 2021
When talking about a multicellular organism reference is being made to those living beings that are made up of more than one cell, these organisms are also known as multicellular and differ from unicellular since the latter only have one cell.
The multicellular organisms are characterized by having cells that reproduce through a process of meiosis or mitosis. Each of these cells develops functions. Thus, multicellular organisms are made up of cells that are differentiated since have different characteristics and therefore perform various functions within the organism. Although these cells have their own function, none of them is capable of surviving in isolation, but they need each other.
Within multicellular organisms, there are different sets of cells that have the same function and have the same origin, all these cells together form a tissue.
Cell reproduction processes
As already mentioned, the cells that make up a multicellular organism reproduce through mitosis or meiosis, these processes consist of:
- Mitosis: It is the process of cell division through which two daughter cells emerge from a parent. These cells contain the same number of chromosomes.
- Meiosis: This is a cellular reproduction process that occurs in sex cells. In this case, a diploid cell has the ability to divide successively to form four haploid cells.
Diploid cells are those that have a double number of chromosomes, that is, they have two chromosomal series. For their part, haploid cells are those that have half the genetic material, that is, half the chromosomes.
Origin of multicellular organisms
Currently there are three theories that try to explain the origin of multicellular organisms:
- Symbiotic theory: This theory states that multicellular organisms arose from symbiosis, that is, the cooperation between different unicellular organisms, each capable of performing a different function than that of others.
- Cellularization theory: Unlike the previous one, this theory suggests that multicellular organisms arose from a single unicellular organism possessing different nuclei. According to the theorists who defend this position, these unicellular organisms developed partitions in the inner membrane around each of its nuclei, thus giving rise to an organism made up of more than one cell.
- Colonial theory: This theory proposes that the symbiosis or union between organisms of the same species gave rise to multicellular organisms. This theory differs from symbiosis since the latter affirms that it was the union of different species that led to the arrival of multicellular organisms.
Characteristics of multicellular organisms
In addition to being characterized by having more than one cell, multicellular organisms are characterized by cell adhesion and communication. It is from adhesion or union that cells are able to form molecules. On the other hand, the communication they have between them allows them to function correctly within the body.
Although there are a large number of multicellular organisms, it is possible to classify them into three types: fungi, plants and animals.
Faults within multicellular organisms
Unlike single-celled organisms, multicellular organisms can develop cancer. This occurs when the regulation of the growth of the cells that make it up fails. Here are some examples of multicellular organisms.
Examples of multicellular organisms explained:
- Lizards: They are multicellular organisms that belong to the reptile family. These animals have an oval head, a large mouth full of very sharp teeth, short legs and skin covered with scales.
- Molds: These are the multicellular type of fungi. Molds form a series of rigid tubes known as hyphae; Within these hyphae is the cytoplasm that contains various nuclei, organelles, mitochondria, ribosomes, vacuoles, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes. This type of fungi can reproduce through asexual, sexual or parasexual processes.
- The human being: The human being is also a multicellular organism found within the animal kingdom, particularly that of mammals. Within man, the different cells that comprise it form a multiplicity of tissues, which in turn create the different systems such as the nervous, respiratory, bone, and so on.
- The wheat: Wheat is a multicellular organism that belongs to the plant family, particularly that of grass plants. Wheat has several ears from which flour is produced.
- The dog: The dog is a multicellular organism that belongs to the kingdom of animals, and particularly that of mammals. It is part of the canidae family. Within this family, animals have characteristics such as a strong complexion, great speed, highly developed teeth, among others.
- Conifers: Conifers belong to the kingdom of plants since it is a type of tree that has evergreen leaves, and usually develops in places with low temperatures and mountainous soils.
- Mites: Mites are very small multicellular organisms, with larvae that have six legs. Your body is divided into various regions.
- Crab: Crabs belong to the animal kingdom, particularly the crustacean family. They are characterized by having five pairs of legs.
- Boa: The boa also belongs to the animal kingdom; It is a species of scaly reptile in the Boidae family.
- Spider: The spider is a multicellular insect whose body is divided into two regions: prosoma and opistosome.
100 examples of multicellular organisms
- Bear
- Tiger
- Stork
- Scorpion
- Pine tree
- Birch
- Shark
- Whale
- Seahorse
- Alga
- Lion
- Cat
- Fir tree
- Buffalo
- deer
- Duck
- Peacock
- Chipmunk
- White poplar
- Lynx
- Tarantula
- Ferret
- Larch
- Hornbeam
- Chimpanzees
- Gorilla
- Shrimp
- Rabbit
- Canary
- Eagle
- I raised
- Parrot
- Parrot
- Pink cedar
- Zebra
- Lazy
- Donkey
- Cow
- Ox
- Calf
- Pig
- Porcupine
- Hyena
- Chicken
- Citrus
- Anaconda
- Baboon
- Elephant
- Horse
- Holm oak
- Eucalyptus
- Raccoon
- Granadillo
- Dolphin
- Leopard
- Cougar
- Jaguar
- Higueron
- Lizard
- Cockroach
- Mouse
- Panda
- Mole
- Owl
- Bat
- Rhinoceros
- Panther
- Platypus
- Deer
- Camel
- Oleander
- Albizia
- Lilo
- Penguins
- Skunk
- Fox
- Goat
- Iguana
- Alligator
- Otter
- Centipede
- Seal
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Turtle
- Snake
- Toad
- Salamander
- Triton
- Lemon Tree
- Macaúba
- Beetle
- Raven
- Scorpion
- Cricket
- Walnut
- Mushroom
- Myopore
- 100.hawk