Cells, Tissues, and Organs
Cells: The Basic Units of Life
Living organisms are made up of fundamental units called cells. These cells are too small to be
seen with the naked eye and require a microscope for observation.
Plant Cells
Plant cells are characterized by several key components:
Cell Wall: A strong, stiff outer layer made of cellulose. It provides structural support and
maintains the cell's shape.
Cell Membrane: A thin, flexible layer inside the cell wall that controls the movement of
substances into and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance where chemical reactions essential for life occur.
Nucleus: The control center of the cell, regulating its activities.
Sap Vacuole: A large, fluid-filled space containing cell sap (a solution of sugars and other
substances). This vacuole helps maintain turgor pressure.
Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells exposed to sunlight. They contain chlorophyll, a
green pigment that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis, the process by which plants
make their food.
Mitochondria: (Singular: mitochondrion) Sites where energy is released from food through
cellular respiration.
Animal Cells
Animal cells share some similarities with plant cells but have distinct differences:
Cell Membrane: Present and functions similarly to that in plant cells.
Cytoplasm: Present, serving as the site for chemical reactions.
Nucleus: Present, controlling cellular activities.
Key differences from plant cells include the absence of a cell wall and chloroplasts. Animal cells
also typically lack a large, permanent sap vacuole.
Specialised Cells
Cells can become specialised, meaning they develop specific structures that enable them to
perform particular functions exceptionally well.
Specialised Animal Cells:
Red Blood Cells:
Function: Transport oxygen throughout the body.
Specialised Structures: Small size to fit through capillaries, biconcave disc shape,
absence of a nucleus (to maximize space for haemoglobin), cytoplasm rich in
haemoglobin (a red pigment that binds to oxygen).
Neurones (Nerve Cells):
Function: Transmit electrical signals between different parts of the body.
Specialised Structures: A long extension called an axon for rapid signal transmission,
dendrites to receive signals from other neurones.
Ciliated Cells:
Function: Move substances along surfaces.
Specialised Structures: Tiny hair-like structures called cilia on one edge, which can beat
rhythmically. Often found lining respiratory passages to move mucus.
Specialised Plant Cells:
Root Hair Cells:
Function: Absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.
Specialised Structures: Long, thin extension (root hair) that greatly increases the surface
area for absorption.
Note: They do not contain chloroplasts as they are not involved in photosynthesis.
Palisade Cells:
Function: Photosynthesis (making food).
Specialised Structures: Abundant chloroplasts containing chlorophyll to efficiently absorb
sunlight. Located near the upper surface of leaves for maximum light exposure.
Tissues, Organs, and Organ Systems
Tissues
A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Examples in Plants: Onion epidermis (protective outer layer), palisade layer (photosynthesis).
Examples in Animals: Ciliated epithelium (lining respiratory tubes), muscle tissue, nervous
tissue.
Organs
An organ is a structure made up of different kinds of tissues working together to carry out a
particular function.
Examples in Plants: Leaves (photosynthesis), roots (absorption), flowers (reproduction).
Examples in Animals: Brain (control center), heart (pumps blood), stomach (digestion), lungs
(gas exchange).
Organ Systems
An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform a major life function.
Examples in Humans:
Digestive System: Mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, etc. (breaks down food).
Circulatory System: Heart, blood vessels (transports blood).
Respiratory System: Lungs, trachea, diaphragm, etc. (gas exchange).
Skeletal System: Bones, cartilage (support and movement).
Organism
An organism is a complete living thing, which may contain many organ systems, organs, and
tissues.