Cell Specialisation
Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, topic 1.4.1
Specialisation and Organisation of Cells
In complex multicellular organisms, cells gain specific features. This is called specialisation. Specialised cells are then organised into groups to perform a function.
Cell specialisation
- A cell specialises because the shape and contents of a cell help it to carry out its function. Examples include:
- Muscle cells are very active so contain lots of mitochondria in order to produce ATP.
- Red blood cells have a biconcave shape and no nucleus to maximise space to carry oxygen. They also have lots of haemoglobin.
- Palisade cells have a long, upright shape and contain chlorophyll to absorb light for photosynthesis.
Cell organisation
- Specialised cells are organised into tissues, tissues into organs and organs into organ systems.
- Tissues (e.g. muscle tissue, xylem tissue).
- Organs (e.g. the animal heart or plant leaf).
- Organ systems (e.g. the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, ovaries, mammary glands and breasts).
Test yourself on Cell Specialisation
Levels of Organisation
Which of the following statements about specialised cells are true?
Which of these is NOT a feature of red blood cells that allows them to be specialised for their function?