Body Plans and Cell Specialisation in Organisms

Unicellular

Organism consisting of a single cell.

Colonial microorganisms

Clusters of genetically identical microbes.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms with many differentiated cells.

Cell Specialisation

Cells tailored for specific functions.

Tissue

Group of specialised cells performing a function.

Organ

Collection of tissues forming a structural unit.

System

Group of organs working together.

Whole organism

All systems combined into a living entity.

Nervous system

Sends electrical pulses via nerve tissues.

Nerve cells

Long, thin cells with receptor and transmitter ends.

Root hair cells

Absorb water with high surface area.

Vascular system

Transports water and nutrients in plants.

Red blood cells

Absorb oxygen with large surface area.

Cytoplasm

Fluid inside cells where proteins are stored.

Vacuole

Storage space within plant cells.

Differentiated cells

Cells with specific structures and functions.

Genetically identical

Clones from a single ancestor organism.

Microbes

Microscopic organisms, including bacteria and archaea.

Specialised cells

Cells adapted for particular tasks in organisms.

Surface area

The total area of an object's surface.

Absorption

Process of taking in substances through surfaces.