Biology/single-celled organisms
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Question
why do single-celled organisms lack the ability to preform special functions such as respiration
Hi Unknown: Thanks for your question.
Single celled organisms DO perform respiration. They use the electron transport chain, and (most of the time) use oxygen as the final electron acceptor. Other micro organisms use other molecules to accept the final electron. These will be molecules of sulfur, nitrogen, or other elements.
Take a look at this website for more information on cellular respiration and the electron transport chain (ETC).
http://vcell.ndsu.nodak.edu/animations/
Just click on the left-hand column under "electron transport chain"
Hope this helps, write back if you have more questions.
FM Rollwagen, PhD
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Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
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