Multicellular describes an organism composed of many cells that work together to form the organism.
In multicellular organisms, cells can become specialized for different functions and form tissues and organs. Humans, animals, and plants are examples of multicellular organisms.
Multicellular organisms differ from unicellular organisms, in which a single cell performs the functions necessary to sustain the organism.
QUICK FACT
Multicellular does not simply mean “large.” Some multicellular organisms are microscopic.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Unicellular: Unicellular organisms consist of one cell; multicellular organisms consist of multiple cells.
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