Organisation & Differentiation of Cells (WJEC GCSE Biology)

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Cara Head

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Cara Head

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Differentiation of Cells

Differentiation

  • Cells with structural features that enable them to perform a specific function are said to be specialised cells
  • Cells become specialised by the process of differentiation
    • As an organism develops cells differentiate to form different types of specialised cells
  • When a cell differentiates it develops a structure and internal features which enable it to carry out its function

Cell differentiation diagram

cells becoming specialised by differentiation

An undifferentiated cell can differentiate to produce specialised cells

What are specialised cells?

  • A specialised cell is a cell that has a particular structure and internal features
  • Structural differences between different types of cells enable them to perform specific functions within an organism
  • Specialised cells are more efficient at performing specific functions than non-specialised cells
  • Some examples of specialised cells in humans include
    • Nerve cells
    • Muscle cells
    • Sperm cells
    • Red blood cells

Levels of Organisation

  • In multicellular organisms specialised cells work together at different levels of organisation to allow organisms to survive

Levels of organisation table

Level Description
Cells Basic functional and structural units in a living organism
Tissues Groups of cells of similar structures working together to perform the same function
Organs Different tissues working together to perform a specific function
Organ systems Groups of organs with related functions working together to carry out a particular role

 

Levels of organisation diagram

Levels of organisation, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Cells organised at different levels within multicellular organisms allow all essential body functions to occur efficiently

Levels of organisation examples table

Organ system Organ Tissue
Shoot system in plants Leaf, stem, flower, fruit

Epidermis

Spongy mesophyll

Phloem
Root system in plants Root, tuber

Xylem

Phloem
Digestive system Oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines

Muscle

Connective tissue

Nerve tissue
Circulatory system Heart, arteries, veins

Muscle

Connective tissue

Blood

Examiner Tip

Most incorrect answers here come from not being able to identify a tissue, so remember that tissues are similar cells working together to perform a function.

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Cara Head

Author: Cara Head

Expertise: Biology

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding