1. The cell theory states that the cell is the basic unit of all living things and that multicellular organisms develop from single cells. However, the organismal theory argues that multicellular organisms cannot be viewed simply as a collection of cells, as they develop according to a structured plan and cells specialize and coordinate in their functions.
2. While some organisms like bacteria are unicellular, more complex multicellular organisms require elaborate life support systems to keep isolated cells alive in culture and maintain homeostasis across the entire organism.
3. Both theories acknowledge that cells are the basic functional units of life, but the organismal theory emphasizes that organisms exhibit properties that cannot be reduced to the properties of individual cells alone