Categorize the following organisms as unicellular, colonial, or multicellular elodea, yeast,
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
- Elodea: Multicellular
- Yeast: Unicellular
Explanation:
Elodea is a type of aquatic plant commonly found in freshwater environments. Its structure consists of many specialized cells that work together to maintain the life of the entire organism. These cells are organized into tissues such as epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular tissues. Each tissue performs a specific function, such as photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and protection. This level of organization indicates that Elodea is a multicellular organism. Multicellular organisms have cells that are dependent on each other, and the cells cannot survive on their own for extended periods. The presence of specialized structures such as leaves and stems further confirms that Elodea operates as a multicellular entity.
Yeast, on the other hand, is a type of fungus that typically exists as a single cell. Its cellular structure includes organelles like a nucleus, mitochondria, and a cell wall, but it lacks any tissue organization. Yeast cells carry out all life processes within a single cell, including reproduction, metabolism, and response to environmental changes. Most yeast species reproduce asexually through a process known as budding, where a new cell grows directly from the parent cell. Since yeast performs all its necessary functions within one cell and does not rely on interactions with other cells to survive or thrive, it is classified as unicellular.
Colonial organisms, which exist between unicellular and multicellular states, consist of many individual cells that live together but can survive independently if separated. Neither Elodea nor yeast fits this description. Elodea cells cannot function independently if separated from the organism, while yeast functions entirely as a single independent cell.
In summary, Elodea is classified as multicellular because it consists of specialized, interdependent cells, while yeast is classified as unicellular because it exists and functions as a single cell.
