Organisation of the Organism Flashcards
To memorise and remember
Cell organelles
A cell organelle is a specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.
Cell
The smallest basic unit of an animal or plant cell
Tissue
A group of specialized cells working together to perform a shared function
Organ
A group of specialized tissues working together to perform a shared function
Organ System
A group of specialized organs working together to perform a shared function
Organism
An organism is any living thing that can function on its own.
Bacteria Cell
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms found almost everywhere on Earth.
Yeast/Fungi Cell
Yeast is a single-celled fungus that reproduces by budding. It is used in baking and brewing.
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Specialized Cells
A specialized cell is a cell that has a specific structure and function.
Animal Cell
An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell that lacks a cell wall and has a true, membrane-bound nucleus along with other cellular organelles.
Red Blood Cells
Adaptations:
1. Biconcave shape increases surface area for oxygen exchange.
2. Packed with hemoglobin for efficient oxygen transport.
3.The flexible shape allows them to squeeze through narrow capillaries.
Limitations:
1. Lack a nucleus and other organelles, limiting their lifespan.
2. Cannot reproduce themselves.
3. Susceptible to damage from toxins and diseases
White Blood Cells
Adaptations:
1. Variety of shapes and sizes for different functions.
2. Ability to move independently to fight infection.
3. Can produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.
Limitations:
1. Limited lifespan.
2. Can be overwhelmed by severe infections.
3. May cause allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.
Muscle Cells
Adaptations:
1. Contain contractile proteins (actin and myosin) for movement.
2. Different types for various functions (e.g., skeletal, cardiac, smooth).
3.Can generate force and produce heat.
Limitations:
1. Require energy (ATP) for contraction.
2. Can fatigue with prolonged use.
3. Susceptible to injury and disease.
Nerve Cells
Adaptations:
1. Long axons for rapid signal transmission.
2. Specialized synapses for communication with other cells.
3. Ability to generate and conduct electrical impulses.
Limitations:
1. Vulnerable to damage from toxins and diseases.
2. Limited ability to regenerate after injury.
3. Can be affected by factors like stress and fatigue.
Sperm Cells
Adaptations:
1. Flagellum for motility.
2. Acrosome containing enzymes to penetrate the egg.
2. Mitochondria for energy production.
Limitations:
1. Short lifespan.
2. Reliant on external factors for survival.
3. Limited number produced.
Egg Cells
Adaptations:
1. Large size for nutrient storage.
2. Zona pellucida for protection.
3. Ability to fuse with sperm to form a zygote.
Limitations:
1. Limited number produced
2. Reliant on fertilization for survival
3. Susceptible to damage from environmental factors
Plant Cell
Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that contain a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
Palisade Mesophyll Cells
Adaptations:
1. Packed with chloroplasts for efficient photosynthesis.
2. Cylindrical shape maximizes surface area for light absorption.
3. Located near the top of the leaf for optimal light exposure.
Limitations:
1. Reliant on sunlight for energy production.
2. Susceptible to damage from high light intensity.
3. Unable to move to seek out better light conditions.
Root Hair Cell
Adaptations:
1. Long, thin extensions increase surface area for water and mineral absorption.
2. Located in the root zone for optimal access to soil moisture.
3. Contains many mitochondria for active transport of nutrients.
Limitations:
1. Vulnerable to drying out if soil moisture is low.
2. Limited ability to absorb larger particles.
3. Reliant on the root system for support.
Xylem Cells
Adaptations:
1. Thick cell walls for structural support.
2. Hollow tubes for efficient water transport.
3. Lignin in cell walls provides strength and prevents collapse.
Limitations:
1. Cannot actively transport water.
2. Reliant on transpiration pull for water movement.
2. Susceptible to blockage by air bubbles (cavitation).
Phloem Cells
Adaptations:
1. Sieve tube elements for efficient sugar transport.
2. Companion cells provide energy for active transport.
3. Phloem sap flows in both directions to meet plant needs.
Limitations:
1. Reliant on living cells for transport.
2. Susceptible to damage from pests and diseases.
2. Transport rate can be limited by factors like temperature and water availability.
