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A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms

A unicellular organism performs nutrition, metabolism, excretion, response, homeostasis, growth, and reproduction within one cell rather than distributing them among tissues.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
A2.2.7
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2023
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Identify
  • Outline
  • Compare
  • Contrast

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Including differentiation or meiosis among functions performed by every unicellular organism.

Recent exam appearances

November 2023Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ26(c)[ 3 ]A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms
November 2017Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ01[ 1 ]A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms
May 2013Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ12[ 1 ]A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms
May 2012Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ12[ 1 ]A2.2.7—Processes of life in unicellular organisms
Practice this objective

Coverage 2012–2023 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • One cell performs all functions required by a unicellular organism.
  • Metabolism transforms matter and energy through enzyme-controlled reactions.
  • Homeostasis maintains internal conditions within tolerable limits.
  • Cell division can produce an entire new unicellular individual.
ConceptIB Biology HL