Chapter 2: Organisation of the organism

Definitions:
1. Cell: smallest unit from which all organisms are made.
2. Tissue: a group of similar cells that work together to perform a particular
function.
3. Organ: a group of tissues that work together to perform a particular function.
4. Organ system: several organs that work together to perform a particular
function.
5. Organism: a living thing

Important pointers:
● Cell wall: supports cell, gives structure
● Cell membrane: controls what enters and exits a cell based on the size of the
hole in it.
● Cytoplasm:
● Ribosomes: protein synthesis
● Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration
● Chloroplast: contains chlorophyll which captures energy from sunlight which is
necessary for
● Nucleus: contains genetic information
● Flagilm: Allows movement (and/or swimming)
● Plasmids: Contains genetic information (also used in biotechnology)
● Animal cells contain cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, mitochondria and
nucleus.
● Plant cells contain cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, vacuoles,
mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus and usually chloroplasts.
● Bacterial cells contain cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular
DNA and plasmids.
● Cell theory
○ All organisms are composed of cells
○ They are the structural and functional units of all organisms
○ All cells arise from pre-existing cells
○ Every organisms starts life as a single cell
● Specialised cells
○ Ciliated cells: adapted for movement of mucus in bronchi and trachea
and ovule in fallopian tube.
○ Root hair cells: adapted for absorption.
○ Palisade mesophyll cell: adapted for photosynthesis.
○ Neurones: adapted for conducting electrical impulses.
○ Red blood cells: adapted for transport of oxygen
○ Sperm and egg cells (gametes) : adapted for reproduction
● Magnification = image / actual