Organisation & Differentiation of Cells (WJEC GCSE Biology)
Revision Note
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
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
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 Tips and Tricks
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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