Topic Ten (1.10): Unicellular organisms

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe what a unicellular organism is;
  • describe the structure of an amoeba;
  • describe the structure of a euglena;
  • know the characteristics of living organisms.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

You are made of trillions of cells but there are lots of organisms that are only a single cell. Do you know any? There may be as many bacterial cells living on and in you as there are human cells in your body. Don't worry though! They are meant to be there and lots of them have important jobs to help you survive. Isn't Biology amazing? 

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • Read pages 22–23.
  • Use the information to explain the differences between an amoeba and a euglena. Focus on the chloroplasts and the flagellum and their uses.
  • Living organisms can be said to have features that characterise them as living organisms:

READ - MRS GREN (Basic Biology) Links to an external site.

  •  Complete the worksheet below. Draw a living organism, or make one up, then describe how it does each of the seven life processes - use MRS GREN to help you:

COMPLETE - Life Processes Worksheet (Twinkl) - [Not available on sample course]

 Review Icon.png Review

Answer the summary questions on page 23 using pages 22–23. Finally, answer the end-of-chapter questions on page 25. For most questions, it is not necessary to answer in full sentences.

Download and keep this poster that brings all the information together from this module. You can use it to help you answer your assignment or in the future to revise your knowledge:

DOWNLOAD - Knowledge Organiser (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

There is also a glossary for the first Biology chapter:

DOWNLOAD - B1 Chapter 1 Glossary (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

COMPLETE - B1 1.5 Interactive screen: Spot the difference (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

If you'd like an extra challenge:

COMPLETE -  A Day in the Life Extension Activity Download COMPLETE -  A Day in the Life Extension Activity

Download Icon.png Check your answers

Student Book Answers - Biology 1 Chapter 1 Download Student Book Answers - Biology 1 Chapter 1

Experiments Icon.png Practical

Osmosis is a type of diffusion, so this is a good time to complete Practical 1: Osmosis from Assignment 01. Remember all you have learnt from Topics 1.0 to 1.5 when planning and carrying out your investigation.. This first one has been structured quite clearly for you, and as you progress through the course, you’ll have more and more autonomy over your experiment. By the end of Year 9 you’ll hopefully be planning and carrying out your own assessed practicals! Your completed practical questions form part of this module's assignment.