# Explain why a single-celled organism such as Amoeba can carry out all life processes without needing specialised cells.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.1.1 Cell structure and organisation · Explain · 4 marks

> Amoeba is a unicellular organism found in pond water. It is able to feed, respire, excrete waste and reproduce — all within a single cell.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A single cell carries out all the functions needed for life
2. There is no need for division of labour / no need to specialise because all processes happen in one cell
3. In multicellular organisms cells become specialised because no single cell can efficiently carry out all functions for the whole organism
4. Amoeba's small size means substances can move in and out of the single cell easily / by diffusion

## Key terms

- [specialised cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/specialised-cells)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-single-celled-organism-such-db163804) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.