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Differentiation: Similar in Structure Different Tissues Different Organs Different Systems
Differentiation: Similar in Structure Different Tissues Different Organs Different Systems
(a) Cells which have become specialised to carry out specific functions are organised into tissues.
(b) Tissues - a group of cells which are similar in structure and perform a specific function
(c) Organ - different tissues working together to carry out a function
(d) System - different organs organised together.
(e) Organism - different systems working together to support life processes.
Importance of cell differentiation and organisation into tissues, organs and systems:
1. A group of cells or tissues are able to carry out a specific function more efficiently compared to a
single cell.
2. Organisms are able to adapt and survive in diverse habitats and environments.
Specialisation in Human Cells
Nerve cell
Muscle cell
multinucleated
Sperm cells
Epithelial cells
Specialisation in Plant Cells
2. Xylem vessel
The xylem vessels are elongated, hollow and connected to each other from the roots to the leaves.
This enables the transport of water and mineral salts from the roots to all parts of the plant.
3. Palisade mesophyll cell
Arranged vertically and closely-packed to receive maximum amount of sunlight.
These cells are the sites for photosynthesis. Therefore, they have many chloroplasts.
5. Guard cell
Modified lower epidermal cells of the leaf.
Controls the opening of the stoma for gas exchange.
Cells with similar structure and function are organised into tissues to perform specific functions.
4 types of tissues: (a) Epithelial tissue
(b) Muscle tissue
(c) Nerve tissue
(d) Connective tissue
Epithelial tissue
Epithelial tissue forms a continuous layer over body surfaces (e.g skin and mouth area)
and inner lining of cavities (e.g digestive tract and lungs)
Some epithelial tissue also form glands.
Epithelial tissue functions are mostly related to protection, secretion and absorption.
Muscle tissue
Nerve tissue
All connective tissues except for blood have fibrous strands called collagen.
Ground Tissue (for support)
(a) Xylem
Dead cells
Cell walls contain lignin.
The xylem vessels are elongated, hollow and connected to each other from the roots
to the leaves. This enables the transport of water and mineral salts from the roots to
all parts of the plant.
In woody plants, xylem tissue also provides support to the plant.
(b) Phloem
Made of companion cells and sieve tubes. Sieve tubes are the living cells.
Sieve tubes are elongated and arranged end to end. This enables the transport of
photosynthesis products (sugars) from the leaves down to storage organs such as the roots
and fruits and from the roots up to growing regions such as the bud.
Heart
Function: Covers the entire body to protect against infections, physical injuries and water loss.
Largest organ of the body.
Skin is considered an organ because it consists of different tissues combined together to perform
specific functions.
Divided into 2 layers:
- Epidermis - outermost, thinner layer that is made up of dead epithelial cells which is continually
sloughed off.
- Dermis - Made up of CMEN tissue.
Malpighian
layer
1) Epithelial cells at the basal layer (Malpighian layer) of the epidermis undergo continuous cell division.
2) Smooth muscle (hair erector muscle) is attached to the hair follicle. When the smooth muscle contracts,
it causes the hair to stand on end.
3) Nerve endings detect stimuli (pressure, temperature, touch and pain) and transmit the nerve impulses to
the nervous system.
4) Connective tissue
- Elastic fibres: give elasticity to the skin so that the skin can stretch and return to it’s original shape.
- Blood capillaries supply blood to the skin surface.
5) Specialised epithelial cells: form glands.
- Hair follicles: produces hair.
- Sweat glands: secrete sweat
- Oil glands: secrete sebum (an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin)
There are 11 major systems.
An organ may belong to more than one system.
- Example: pancreas - secretes hormones (endocrine system) and pancreatic juice (digestive system).
An example of how the various systems coordinate which each other for the the survival of the
organism:- Nutrients absorbed by the digestive system and oxygen taken in by the respiratory system
are transported by the circulatory system to all parts of the body.