Chapter 19, Problem 22A

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The match of the given definition with the correct vocabulary term.

Introduction:

A single-celled (unicellular) organism is the organism that consists only a single cell rather than multiple cells as in the multicellular organisms. The single-celled organisms can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. All the prokaryotic organisms are unicellular and classified into the archaea and bacteria. Many of the eukaryotes are also unicellular such as unicellular algae, protozoans, and unicellular fungi. Unicellular or single-celled organisms are considered as the oldest form of life.

Explanation of Solution

Several unicellular organisms like bacteria can group together and create a colony. A colony is the group of individual single-celled organisms (cells) of the same or different species that reside and live closely together. Formation of colony is generally beneficial for the group of cells (unicellular organisms) because it provides a stronger defense system and ability to attack a bigger prey. A group of cells or group of single-celled organisms aggregate to form a colony in which they live together in a close association. Formation of colony is a better strategy of unicellular organisms than living in solitary because it provides better chances to easily get food resources and also provides better protection strategies from other harmful chemicals and organisms.

Conclusion

A group of cells living together in close association is matches with the term colony.