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2.2.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms
2.2.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms
zygote embryo
Tissues Blood
Organs Heart
Multicellular organism
The Necessity for Cell Specification and
Cell Organisation
1. Cell specification is a process of change and adaptation that
a cell undergoes to give it special structures and specific
functions.
2. Cell specification is important to multicellular organisms as
complex organisms require various types of tissues, organs
and system to function.
3. Without cell specification, an organism will not able to
survive or sustain life.
4. Organisation into cells, tissues, organs and systems is essential
to multicellular organisms because:
a) A group of cells or tissues are able to carry out specific
function more efficiently compared to a single cell.
b) The division of work among cells enable the organisms to
carry out the various tasks and functions in orderly and
systematic manner.
c) All living processes can be carried out more efficiently
and this enables them to achieve a higher growth rate.
d) Organisms are able to adapt and survive in diverse
habitats and environments.
Nerve cells – Nerve Muscle cells – They are
cells have long, thin usually long with multiple nuclei
fibres called axons and contain protein fibres.
which conduct nerve These fibres can contract to
impulses throughout produce movement.
the body.
Sperm cells – Have long tails and a
high density of mitochondria which
allow them to swim forwards the
ovum. The nucleus contains
chromosomes from the male parent.
RBC – The shape are like a biconcave disc and do not have nuclei.
This increases the surface area of the cell and allows oxygen to
diffuse into the whole cell at a faster rate.
WBC – Can change their shape easily to move through the walls of
blood vessels and migrate to the sites of injuries to fight infections.
Cell Organisation in Humans and Animals
TISSUES
1. Tissues are groups of specialised cells with a common
structure and function. Different types of tissues have
different structures that are suited to their functions.
2. There are four major types of tissues in animals:
a) Epithelial tissues
b) Muscle tissues
c) Connective tissues
d) Nerve tissues
Skeletal muscles are attached Responsible for the voluntary movements of the body.
to the bones of the skeleton. Contractions of skeletal muscles produce movements of
various body parts.
Cardiac muscles form the Contract to pump blood to all parts of the body.
contractile wall of the heart. Contractions of cardiac muscles are involuntary.
NERVE TISSUES
Nerve tissues are composed of neurones, or nerve cells.
Each neurone consists of a cell body and nerve fibres called
dendrites and axons.
Neurones are specialised to transmit signal called nerve
impulses over long distances.
Nerve tissues control and coordinate activities of the body.
There are three types of neurones: afferent neurones,
efferent neurones and interneurones.
Types of neurones Functions
Motor Neurone:
Efferent Neuron –
Moving toward a
central organ or point.
Relays messages from
the brain or spinal cord
to the muscles and
organs.
Sensory Neurone:
Afferent Neuron –
Moving away from a
central organ or point.
Relays messages from
receptors to the brain
or spinal cord.
Interneuron (relay
neurone):
Relays message from
sensory neurone to
motor neurone.
Make up the brain and
spinal cord.
CONNECTIVE TISSUES
Connective tissues consist of various types of cells and
fibres separated by an extracellular matrix. They are widely
distributed and have many functions.
The connective tissue which underlines epithelial tissues
consists of a network of collagen, capillaries and spaces
filled with fluid.
Examples of connective tissues are tendons, ligaments,
cartilage, bones, blood, lymph and adipose tissue.
Connective tissues, with the exception of blood and
lymph, are interwoven with fibrous strands called collagen.
Types of connective tissues
Types of connective tissues Functions
Cartilage tissue When the collagen fibres are densely packed, they form
tendons and ligaments.
Tendons attach muscles to bones.
Ligaments attach bones to bones.
Cartilage is a strong yet flexible connective tissue.
Cartilage provides support to the nose, ears, and covers the
ends of bones at joints.
Cartilage also forms discs between vertebrae. This enables
them to act as cushions to absorb pressure.
Bones consist of cells Bones provide protection to organs in the body and support
embedded in a matrix of the body.
collagen hardened by mineral
deposits such as calcium. This
combination makes the bones
harder than cartilage.
Types of connective tissue Functions
Lymph consists mostly of fluid
which leaks out of blood
capillaries.
Blood consists of red and Blood has regulating, transporting and protective functions.
white blood cells and cell It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells and removes carbon
fragments called platelets, dioxide and waste products from the cells.
suspended in a fluid called It helps distribute heat throughout the body and contains
blood plasma. regulatory substances such as hormones and enzymes.
Blood cells are produced in Red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells assist in
the bone marrow, located at fighting infections while platelets aid in blood clotting.
the ends of long bones.
Fat cells or adipose cells are Adipose tissue stores energy and insulate the body.
tightly packed. They can be
found in the dermis of the
skin.