IQ1 - Module 2: Organsiaation of Living Things

Question 1

what are types of organisms

Answer 1

Organisms can exist as a single cell (unicellular), single cells working together (colonial) or as an organism made up of many cells (multicellular).

Question 2

what are similarities of colonial, unicellular and multi cellular cells

Answer 2

Similarities
▪ All composed of cells
▪ All possess cell membranes, cytosol, ribosomes and some sort of genetic
material
▪ Each cells needs to gain nutrients, exchange gases, source energy, excrete waste and reproduce

Question 3

what are the differences of colonial, unicellular and multicellular cells?

Answer 3

▪ Number of cells present in the organism
▪ Type of cells
▪ Organisation of the cells

Question 4

what are the domains classifications?

Answer 4

Life can be classified into three domains. ▪ Archaea
▪ Bacteria
▪ Eukaryotes
Unicellular and colonial organisms exist in all 3 domains. While multicellular organisms only exist in the Eukaryote domain.

Question 5

What is unicellular?

Answer 5

Unicellular organisms only contain a single cell, which is responsible for all of its own life processes.

They require a moist environment using diffusion, osmosis and active transport to take in nutrients and remove wastes.

Question 6

what is colonial?

Answer 6

Colonial organisms are composed of individual cells living together in a colony and are thought to be the evolutionary link between unicellular and multicellular organisms.

All cells in the colony are capable of carrying out the metabolic functions necessary for life individually, however simple specialised cells present within the colonial organism can improve the efficiency of the organism’s overall functioning.

Question 7

what is multicellular?

Answer 7

Multicellular organisms are made up of many different types of cells with similar cells grouped together to perform specialised functions. These combine together for the efficient functioning of the organism, as individual cells cannot live independently of each other.

Question 8

what do multicellular organisms require?

Answer 8

They require specialist systems to take in nutrients, remove wastes and to reproduce using diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Multicellular organisms require 3 things:
▪ have the same DNA
▪ be dependent on each other for
survival
▪ be connected and must communicate and cooperate to function as a single organism

Question 9

what is the cell structure and function?

Answer 9

The structure of a cell is related to the particular function of that specialised cell.
For example:
▪ red blood cells
▪ neurons
▪ elongated palisade cells in a leaf
▪ root hair cells

Question 10

what is cell differentiation and specialisation?

Answer 10

Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialised cells become specialised.
Cell specialisation refers to cells that have specific structures (e.g. shape, size) that allow them to carry out a particular function.

All specialised cells originate from stem cells. They are undifferentiated and are able to develop into specialised cell types.
Once specialised, cells are incapable of surviving on their own and are reliant on other cells to perform functions that they cannot.

Question 11

what are structural organisation of multicellular organisms?

Answer 11

For multicellular organisms to function effectively there needs to be a high level of organisation in the arrangement of the specialised cells.

Question 12

what is the organelles level of organisation?

Answer 12

Organelles
▪ lots of different types, specialised to perform a
particular function
▪ different cells vary in the number and type of
organelles they have based on cell function
▪ e.g. mitochondria, chloroplast

Question 13

what is the cells levels of organisation?

Answer 13

Cells
▪ specialised cells have specific structural features
that allow them to carry out a particular function
▪ e.g. root hair cells in plants, red blood cells in
humans

Question 14

what is the tissues levels of organisation?

Answer 14

Tissues
▪ made up of specialised cells that work
together to perform a particular function
▪ e.g. vascular, epithelium, muscle

Question 15

what is the organs levels of organisation?

Answer 15

Organs
▪ made up of 2 or more types of tissues that
work together to perform a particular
function
▪ e.g. leaves, heart, kidney, stomach

Question 16

what is the organ systems level of organisation?

Answer 16

Organ systems
▪ made up of a group of organs working together to
perform a particular function
▪ each organ has a specific job in the system
▪ e.g. root system, circulatory, skeletal, respiratory

Question 17

what is the organism level of organisation?

Answer 17

Organism
▪ different systems work together to ensure all
necessary processes are carried out to ensure survival
▪ final level of organisation, e.g. plant, animal

Question 18

what is organisational hierarchy?

Answer 18

The hierarchical organisation of cells enables the efficient functioning of multicellular organisms.
The interaction and cooperation between cells, tissues, organs and systems provides multicellular organisms with abilities that are beyond the limitations of a single cell.

Question 19

what happens when you move up or down a hierarchy?

Answer 19

As you move up or down a hierarchy, the items get more or less complex and organised. As you move from cells to systems it becomes:
▪ more complex
▪ physically larger
▪ more specific
It is crucial to overcome these challenges:
▪ needs more energy
▪ needs efficient waste removal
▪ needs ability to find resources
for cells

Question 20

what are the advantages of organisational hierarchy?

Answer 20

Advantages
▪ Energy efficient because specific cells do specific functions
▪ Can grow larger
▪ Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity
▪ Perform more functions
Disadvantages
▪ More cells means more energy required
▪ Cells can’t function independently
▪ More energy required to reproduce