NAME OF LEARNER: _____________________________________ SUBJECT: EARTH & LIFE SCIENCE
GRADE LEVEL: ____________ LAS: 3
SECTION: _______________
DATE: ______________
LEARNING COMPETNECY: Describe how unifying themes (e.g., structure and function, evolution, and ecosystems) in the
study of life show the connections among living things and how they interact with each other and
with their environment. (S11/12LT-IIa-3)
STRUCTURES
Levels of Structural Organization in Organisms
Organisms have a hierarchical structure:
a. Cells
Basic unit of life.
All organisms are made up of one or more cells.
Two main types:
o Prokaryotic (no nucleus, e.g., bacteria)
o Eukaryotic (with nucleus, e.g., plants, animals)
b. Tissues
Groups of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
o Example: Muscle tissue, nervous tissue.
c. Organs
Structures composed of different tissues working together.
o Example: Heart, lungs, leaves in plants.
d. Organ Systems
Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.
o Example: Digestive system, circulatory system.
e. Organism
A complete living thing that carries out all life processes.
2. MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF ORGANISM
These are the key life processes that organisms must perform to survive:
a. Nutrition
Taking in and using nutrients for energy and growth.
o Autotrophs make their own food (e.g., plants).
o Heterotrophs consume other organisms (e.g., animals).
b. Respiration
Converting food into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
c. Transport
Movement of substances (like oxygen, nutrients, waste) within the organism.
d. Excretion
Removal of waste products.
e. Growth and Development
Increase in size and complexity.
f. Reproduction
Producing new organisms (offspring) to continue the species.
g. Regulation
Controlling internal conditions (homeostasis).
h. Response to Stimuli
Reacting to environmental changes.
Examples of Structure and Function in Specific Organisms
🔹 Plants
Structure: Roots, stems, leaves, flowers.
Function:
o Roots absorb water/minerals.
o Leaves perform photosynthesis.
o Stems transport water/nutrients.
🔹 Animals
Structure: Organs like heart, lungs, brain, skin.
Function:
o Heart pumps blood.
o Lungs exchange gases.
o Brain controls body functions.
I. Matching Type: Match the following terms to their correct definition.
TERM DEFINITION (Write the Letter)
1. Cell A. Group of similar cells performing a specific function.
2. Tissue B. Complete living being.
3. Organ C. Basic unit of life.
4. Organism D. Structure composed of different tissues.
II. Directions: Match each organ or part to its correct function. Then, write if it belongs to a plant or an animal.
STRUCTURE FUNCTION PLANT / ANIMAL
1. Roots A. Absorbs water and nutrients
2. Heart B. Pumps blood throughout the body
3. Leaves C. Performs photosynthesis
4. Brain D. Controls bodily functions and thinking
5. Stem E. Supports plant; transports substances
6. Lungs F. Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide
III. Answer the following questions. (3 pts. each 2-3 sentences)
1. Why is it important for each part of an organism to have a specific function?
2. How does the structure of a leaf help it perform photosynthesis effectively?
3. Choose one organ from an animal or plant and describe how its structure is suited to its function.
IV. Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on the space provided.
1. What is the basic unit of life in all living organisms?
A. Organ
B. Tissue
C. Cell
D. Organ system
2. Which part of a plant is mainly responsible for photosynthesis?
A. Root
B. Leaf
C. Stem
D. Flower
3. What is the main function of the heart in animals?
A. To digest food
B. To control body activities
C. To pump blood
D. To filter waste
4. The roots of a plant function to:
A. Produce seeds
B. Absorb water and anchor the plant
C. Support the plant and transport nutrients
D. Carry out photosynthesis
5. Which organ system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients?
A. Respiratory system
B. Nervous system
C. Circulatory system
D. Digestive system