Living Processes of Multicellular Organisms

2.3 Living Processes in Multicellular Organisms
 
Introduction
  • There are various types of cells in multicellular organisms which are different in size, shape and arrangement
  • The cell structure correlates to its function, and each type of cell is specialised to carry out a specific function
 
Types of Specialised Cells in Humans
Muscle Cell
  • Arranged as multinuclear striated fibres
  • Contract and relax to generate movement
Nerve Cell
  • Long and thin in shape
  • Functions in sending nerve impulses
White Blood Cell
  • Can change shape
  • Functions in destroying pathogens
Red Blood Cell
  • Does not contain a nucleus
  • Shaped as a biconcave disc
  • Functions to optimise transportation of oxygen
Epithelial Cell
  • Thin and flat cells
  • Coats the surface of organs such as the digestive tract
Sperm Cell
  • Has a long tail to enable it to swim towards the ovum in the Fallopian tube
  • The head carries a set of chromosomes from the male
 
This image is an infographic titled specialised cells in humans. It features six types of cells, each in its own box with a brief description of its function: 1. Epithelium Cell: - Provide protection - Aid in gaseous exchange - Helps in nutrients absorption, secretes mucus 2. White Blood Cell: - Protects the body from pathogens 3. Red Blood Cell: - Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide 4. Muscle Cell: - Contracts and relaxes to produce movement 5. Nerve Cell: - Transmits nerve impulse from one part to another part of the body 6.Sperm Cell: - Fertilises ovum
 

 

Types of Specialised Cells in Plants
Sieve Tube Element
  • Long cylindrical tubes arranged from end to end
  • Transports organic materials from leaves to storage organs such as fruits
Xylem Vessel
  • Long, continuous hollow tube
  • Functions in transporting water and mineral salts from the roots to the other parts of the plant
Palisade Mesophyll Cell
  • Consists of long cylindrical cells, arranged vertically and close to each other
  • Contains high chlorophyll density
  • This arrangement allows maximum absorption of sunlight for photosynthesis
Spongy Mesophyll Cell
  • Cells are loosely arranged with lots of air space in between
  • Large air space allows exchange of gas from the inside of the leaves to the palisade mesophyll cells
Guard Cell
  • Modified lower epidermal cells with the thicker cell wall on the inner side
  • Controls the opening and closing of the stoma. Stoma is the opening that allows the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Root Hair Cell
  • Has a long projection which adds surface area for the absorption of water and mineral salts
 
This image is an infographic titled specialized cells in plants. It has six types of cells, each in the box with a brief description of its function: 1. Spongy Mesophyll Cell: - Sparsely arranged to facilitate gas entry 2. Xylem: - Transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the rest of the plant 3. Guard Cell: - Controls the opening and closing of the stoma 4. Sieve tube: - Transports organic matter: sucrose, amino acids and hormones from shoots to other parts of the plant 5. Root Hair Cell: - Absorbs water and mineral salts dissolved in the soil 6. Mesophyll Palisade Cell: - Has a high density of chloroplasts to allow high absorption of sunlight for photosynthesis
 

 

Cell Organisation in Human
  • Tissues are a group of cells that have the same structure and function and are arranged together to carry out a specific function
  • In organisms, tissues can be classified into four different types which are epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue and connective tissue
 
Types of Tissues in Human
Epithelial Tissue
  • Epithelial tissue covers the outer surface (skin) and hollow surfaces in the body (digestive tract and respiratory tract)
  • The epithelial tissue structure is adapted based on its function
  • For example, the epithelial tissue on the skin protects against infections, injuries, chemicals and dehydration.
  • Epithelial tissue covers the surface of the mouth, oesophagus, covers the surface of lungs, body cavities, blood vessels, covers the surface of the trachea, bronchus, lines tubules, glands, kidney ducts and small intestine
  • Epithelial tissues that coat the trachea have projections like hair, known as cilia (singular: cilium)
Muscle Tissue
  • There are three types of muscle tissue: smooth muscle (found in the digestive tract, blood vessel, urinary tract and reproductive tract), skeletal muscle (found in legs and hands) and cardiac muscle (found in the heart wall)
  • Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle enable involuntary activities such as peristalsis along the digestive tract
  • Skeletal muscle is involved in controlled movement
  • Skeletal muscles contract and relax to generate movement in bones and limbs
  • Cardiac muscle builds walls of the heart that contract to pump blood to the whole body
  • Cardiac muscle contraction is involuntary
Nerve Tissue
  • Nerve tissue is made of neuron or nerve cells
  • Each neuron consists of a cell body and nerve fibre called dendrite and axon
  • Nerve tissues can detect stimuli and then send information in the form of an electrical signal (nerve impulses) to the muscles or glands
  • Nerve tissue regulates and controls body activity
Connective Tissue
  • The connective tissue consists of various types of tissues and fibres
  • This tissue is distributed all over the body and has many functions
  • One of its functions is to link the organs
  • Loose connective tissue: it links the epithelial tissue to the tissue below it, and fixes the organs in their positions
  • Blood tissue: blood plays a functional role in regulation, transportation and protection
  • Fibrous connective tissue: these tissues form tendons (connect bones and muscles) and ligaments (connect bones to bones)
  • Bone: bone forms the body frame and protects the internal organs
  • Adipose tissue: connective tissues that keep fat under the skin dermis and the surface of all main organ
  • Cartilage: cartilage encloses bone tips to prevent the bone from wearing out
Tissue Organisation in Plants
Parenchyma Tissue
  • Functions to store starch, protein and water
  • This tissue can also carry out photosynthesis
Collenchyma Tissue
  • Functions in giving support to young, non-woody stems (herbaceous plants)
Sclerenchyma Tissue
  • Functions in providing support and mechanical strength to all mature parts of the plant
Vascular Tissue
  • Vascular tissues are made up of xylem tissue and phloem tissue
Xylem Tissue
  • The xylem functions in transporting water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts of the plant
  • Lignin of xylem tissue wall provides support and mechanical strength to the plants
Phloem Tissue
  • The phloem functions in transporting organic matters such as sucrose from the leaves to all parts of the plant
 

 

Density of Certain Cell Component and Specialised Cell Functions
Mitochondrion
  • Sperm cell: requires a lot of energy to swim towards the uterus and Fallopian tube to fertilise the secondary oocytes
  • Muscle cell: requires a lot of energy to contract and relax to enable movement and flight
  • Plant meristem cell: requires a lot of energy to carry out active cell division process to produce new cells
Chloroplast
  • Palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll: absorbs more sunlight to carry out the process of photosynthesis
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus
  • Pancreatic cell: increases synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes
  • Goblet cell in intestinal epithelium and respiratory tract: produces mucus
  • Liver cell: metabolises carbohydrates and detoxifies drugs and poisons
 
Failure of Cell Component
  • Failure of the mitochondrion function or a mitochondrion disjunction can cause stunted growth, weak muscles, hearing and vision problems
  • Tay-Sachs is a hereditary disease caused by the failure of enzymes to produce in the lysosomes
  • Tay-Sachs patients will experience stunted growth and mental retardation

Living Processes of Multicellular Organisms

2.3 Living Processes in Multicellular Organisms
 
Introduction
  • There are various types of cells in multicellular organisms which are different in size, shape and arrangement
  • The cell structure correlates to its function, and each type of cell is specialised to carry out a specific function
 
Types of Specialised Cells in Humans
Muscle Cell
  • Arranged as multinuclear striated fibres
  • Contract and relax to generate movement
Nerve Cell
  • Long and thin in shape
  • Functions in sending nerve impulses
White Blood Cell
  • Can change shape
  • Functions in destroying pathogens
Red Blood Cell
  • Does not contain a nucleus
  • Shaped as a biconcave disc
  • Functions to optimise transportation of oxygen
Epithelial Cell
  • Thin and flat cells
  • Coats the surface of organs such as the digestive tract
Sperm Cell
  • Has a long tail to enable it to swim towards the ovum in the Fallopian tube
  • The head carries a set of chromosomes from the male
 
This image is an infographic titled specialised cells in humans. It features six types of cells, each in its own box with a brief description of its function: 1. Epithelium Cell: - Provide protection - Aid in gaseous exchange - Helps in nutrients absorption, secretes mucus 2. White Blood Cell: - Protects the body from pathogens 3. Red Blood Cell: - Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide 4. Muscle Cell: - Contracts and relaxes to produce movement 5. Nerve Cell: - Transmits nerve impulse from one part to another part of the body 6.Sperm Cell: - Fertilises ovum
 

 

Types of Specialised Cells in Plants
Sieve Tube Element
  • Long cylindrical tubes arranged from end to end
  • Transports organic materials from leaves to storage organs such as fruits
Xylem Vessel
  • Long, continuous hollow tube
  • Functions in transporting water and mineral salts from the roots to the other parts of the plant
Palisade Mesophyll Cell
  • Consists of long cylindrical cells, arranged vertically and close to each other
  • Contains high chlorophyll density
  • This arrangement allows maximum absorption of sunlight for photosynthesis
Spongy Mesophyll Cell
  • Cells are loosely arranged with lots of air space in between
  • Large air space allows exchange of gas from the inside of the leaves to the palisade mesophyll cells
Guard Cell
  • Modified lower epidermal cells with the thicker cell wall on the inner side
  • Controls the opening and closing of the stoma. Stoma is the opening that allows the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Root Hair Cell
  • Has a long projection which adds surface area for the absorption of water and mineral salts
 
This image is an infographic titled specialized cells in plants. It has six types of cells, each in the box with a brief description of its function: 1. Spongy Mesophyll Cell: - Sparsely arranged to facilitate gas entry 2. Xylem: - Transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the rest of the plant 3. Guard Cell: - Controls the opening and closing of the stoma 4. Sieve tube: - Transports organic matter: sucrose, amino acids and hormones from shoots to other parts of the plant 5. Root Hair Cell: - Absorbs water and mineral salts dissolved in the soil 6. Mesophyll Palisade Cell: - Has a high density of chloroplasts to allow high absorption of sunlight for photosynthesis
 

 

Cell Organisation in Human
  • Tissues are a group of cells that have the same structure and function and are arranged together to carry out a specific function
  • In organisms, tissues can be classified into four different types which are epithelial tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue and connective tissue
 
Types of Tissues in Human
Epithelial Tissue
  • Epithelial tissue covers the outer surface (skin) and hollow surfaces in the body (digestive tract and respiratory tract)
  • The epithelial tissue structure is adapted based on its function
  • For example, the epithelial tissue on the skin protects against infections, injuries, chemicals and dehydration.
  • Epithelial tissue covers the surface of the mouth, oesophagus, covers the surface of lungs, body cavities, blood vessels, covers the surface of the trachea, bronchus, lines tubules, glands, kidney ducts and small intestine
  • Epithelial tissues that coat the trachea have projections like hair, known as cilia (singular: cilium)
Muscle Tissue
  • There are three types of muscle tissue: smooth muscle (found in the digestive tract, blood vessel, urinary tract and reproductive tract), skeletal muscle (found in legs and hands) and cardiac muscle (found in the heart wall)
  • Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle enable involuntary activities such as peristalsis along the digestive tract
  • Skeletal muscle is involved in controlled movement
  • Skeletal muscles contract and relax to generate movement in bones and limbs
  • Cardiac muscle builds walls of the heart that contract to pump blood to the whole body
  • Cardiac muscle contraction is involuntary
Nerve Tissue
  • Nerve tissue is made of neuron or nerve cells
  • Each neuron consists of a cell body and nerve fibre called dendrite and axon
  • Nerve tissues can detect stimuli and then send information in the form of an electrical signal (nerve impulses) to the muscles or glands
  • Nerve tissue regulates and controls body activity
Connective Tissue
  • The connective tissue consists of various types of tissues and fibres
  • This tissue is distributed all over the body and has many functions
  • One of its functions is to link the organs
  • Loose connective tissue: it links the epithelial tissue to the tissue below it, and fixes the organs in their positions
  • Blood tissue: blood plays a functional role in regulation, transportation and protection
  • Fibrous connective tissue: these tissues form tendons (connect bones and muscles) and ligaments (connect bones to bones)
  • Bone: bone forms the body frame and protects the internal organs
  • Adipose tissue: connective tissues that keep fat under the skin dermis and the surface of all main organ
  • Cartilage: cartilage encloses bone tips to prevent the bone from wearing out
Tissue Organisation in Plants
Parenchyma Tissue
  • Functions to store starch, protein and water
  • This tissue can also carry out photosynthesis
Collenchyma Tissue
  • Functions in giving support to young, non-woody stems (herbaceous plants)
Sclerenchyma Tissue
  • Functions in providing support and mechanical strength to all mature parts of the plant
Vascular Tissue
  • Vascular tissues are made up of xylem tissue and phloem tissue
Xylem Tissue
  • The xylem functions in transporting water and mineral salts from the roots to other parts of the plant
  • Lignin of xylem tissue wall provides support and mechanical strength to the plants
Phloem Tissue
  • The phloem functions in transporting organic matters such as sucrose from the leaves to all parts of the plant
 

 

Density of Certain Cell Component and Specialised Cell Functions
Mitochondrion
  • Sperm cell: requires a lot of energy to swim towards the uterus and Fallopian tube to fertilise the secondary oocytes
  • Muscle cell: requires a lot of energy to contract and relax to enable movement and flight
  • Plant meristem cell: requires a lot of energy to carry out active cell division process to produce new cells
Chloroplast
  • Palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll: absorbs more sunlight to carry out the process of photosynthesis
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus
  • Pancreatic cell: increases synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes
  • Goblet cell in intestinal epithelium and respiratory tract: produces mucus
  • Liver cell: metabolises carbohydrates and detoxifies drugs and poisons
 
Failure of Cell Component
  • Failure of the mitochondrion function or a mitochondrion disjunction can cause stunted growth, weak muscles, hearing and vision problems
  • Tay-Sachs is a hereditary disease caused by the failure of enzymes to produce in the lysosomes
  • Tay-Sachs patients will experience stunted growth and mental retardation