Levels Of Cell Organization

With the exception of single-celled organisms and very simple life forms, living things have complex bodies that contain many functional parts. You can organize these parts into different levels of complexity or cellular organization. They range from the smallest, simplest functional units of living things to the largest and most complex.

Cells are the smallest functional units of all livings things. Both plants and animals contain various kinds of cells. Cells help living things absorb nutrients. In the case of animals, these nutrients come from food. In the case of plants, they come mostly from sunlight, which plant cells convert into usable nutrients via a process called photosynthesis.

Both plant and animal cells carry genetic material in the form of DNA. Without DNA, livings things would not be able to pass on their individual characteristics or the characteristics of their species to the next generation.

Different kinds of cells perform different functions. For example, in animals, red blood cells help to attack viruses, while sperm and egg cells aid in reproduction.

Tissues are the organic material from which organs and other bodily structures appear. Cells make up tissues, which share a similar structure and function.

There are four main kinds of tissues found in animal bodies. Epithelial tissues line body cavities and surfaces, such as the inside of the stomach and the outermost layer of the skin. Connective tissue supports, protects and binds certain parts of the body, such as muscles, together. Tendons, ligaments and cartilage are examples of connective tissues. Muscular tissue makes up the muscles of the body. This tissue can contract and expand in specific ways to produce movement. Nervous tissue, such as that found in the central nervous system, can receive stimuli and conduct electrical impulses.

Plants also have tissues. Dermal tissue forms the outer coverings of plants. Vascular tissue moves water and nutrients through the plant. Ground tissue makes up most of plants' bodies and performs the majority of bodily functions, such as photosynthesis.

Organs are structures, comprised of specific kinds of tissue, which perform specialized tasks in the body. For example, in many animals, the stomach breaks down food, and the heart pumps blood. In most animals, organs could not function properly without the brain, which regulates the activity of all organs in the body.

Plants also have organs. Vegetative organs, such as roots and leaves, help to sustain the life of the plant. Reproductive organs, such as cones, flowers and fruits are temporary structures that help to facilitate either sexual or asexual reproduction.

Organ systems are groups of two or more organs which work together to perform a specific function. Humans have 11 systems in their bodies. Among these are the digestive system (comprised of organs such as the stomach, large intestine and colon) which digests food, and the respiratory system (comprised of organs such as the nose, lungs and larynx) that makes breathing possible.

Plants contain just two organ systems. The shoot system includes all of the parts above the ground, such as leaves and stems, while the root system includes all of the parts below the ground, such as roots and tubers.

Organisms are whole, complete living things. Organisms can differ dramatically from one another in size and shape. For example, elephants and flowers are both organisms. But all organisms have a few traits in common.

All living things have cells. They can reproduce and are capable of growth. They absorb nutrients, produce waste and are capable of responding to stimuli in their environment. These characteristics are true for both complex and simple living things and for both plants and animals.