1 - Structures and Functions in Living Organisms Flashcards
What are the characteristics of all living organisms?
M - move R - respiration S - sensitivity C - control G - growth R - reproduction E - excreting N - nutrition
What is in an animal cell?
Nucleus
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
What is in a plant cell?
Nucleus Cytoplasm Cell membrane Cell Wall Vacuole Chloroplasts
What is the function of a nucleus?
An organelle which contains the genetic material that controls the cell’s activity. Surrounded by its own membrane
What is the function of a cell membrane?
Forms the outer surface of the cell and controls what goes in and out
What is the function of cytoplasm?
A gel-like substance where most of the cell’s chemical reactions happen. Contains enzymes which control these reactions
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Contains a green substance called chlorophyll which enables photosynthesis
What is the function of a cell wall?
A rigid structure made of cellulose which surrounds the cell membrane. Supports and strengthens the cell
What is the function of a vacuole?
A large organelle that contains cell sap (a weak solution of sugars and salts). Also helps to support the cell
What is the function of cells?
They are specialised to carry out a particular function and their shape, size and strength can vary (e.g.. red blood cells carry oxygen)
What are tissues?
A group of similar cells that work together to carry out a particular function. Can contain more than one cell type (e.g. xylem tissues carry water in plants)
What are organs?
A group of different tissues that work together to perform a function (e.g. lungs in mammals)
What are organ systems?
Organs work together to form organ systems. Each system does a different job (e.g. in mammals the digestion system is made up of organs such as the stomach and intestines)
What are typical plant features?
- Multicellular
- Contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis
- Have cell walls made of cellulose
- Store carbohydrates as sucrose or starch
What are examples of plants?
- Cereals (e.g. maize)
- Herbaceous legumes (e.g. peas and beans)
What are typical animal features?
- Multicellular
- No chloroplasts
- No cell walls
- Most have some kind of nervous coordination meaning they can respond rapidly to changes in their environment
- Can move from one place to another
- Store carbohydrates in the form of glycogen
What are examples of animals?
- Mammals (e.g. humans)
- Insects (e.g. houseflies or mosquitos)
What are typical fungi features?
- Some are single-celled
- Others have a body called a mycelium which is made from hyphae that contains lots of nuclei
- Cannot photosynthesise
- Cell walls made of chitin
- Feed by saprotrophic nutrition
- Store carbohydrates as glycogen