C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual

Single-Celled Organisms

Explain how unicellular organisms such as bacteria and Amoeba carry out all the functions of life within a single cell

Suggested ages 11–12

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Evidence of understanding

  • Names examples of unicellular organisms
  • Lists the seven life processes (MRS NERG) and explains how a single cell performs each one
  • Contrasts how unicellular organisms meet their needs compared to multicellular organisms

Assessment prompt

If Single-Celled Organisms learned that bacteria are made of just one cell, could they explain how that single cell still manages to feed, grow, and reproduce — doing everything a whole body does?

Standards alignment

KS3.Sci.Bio.Cells.5GB · uk-nc-2013

Unicellular organisms

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3

KS3.Sci.Bio.Cells.6GB · uk-nc-2013

Functions of life in unicellular organisms

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3