Nat 5 - Multicellular Organisms Flashcards
(122 cards)
Define the term multicellular organisms
Organisms that are made up of many cells
Describe the organisation of multicellular organisms
Multicellular organisms are organised into cells, tissues, organs and organ systems
Explain the significance of cell specialisation in multicellular organisms
It is very efficient as it ensures that cells do not have to carry out every function essential for the maintenance of life - they only carry out the function they’re specialised for, which saves energy.
Define the term stem cell
An unspecialised animal cell involved in growth and repair
State the type of organisms in which stem cells are found
Animals
Name two functions of stem cells in humans
Growth and repair
Define the term meristem
Site of production of non-specialised cells in plants and the only site of mitosis in the plant
State the type of organisms in which meristems are found
Plants
Name the process that occurs at a meristem
Cell division/mitosis
State the location of meristems
Shoot and root tips of plants
Describe the function of meristems
To carry out cell division to produce non-specialised cells
Name the components of the nervous system
Brain, spinal cord and nerves
Explain the function of the nervous system
To coordinate and control functions of the body
Name the components of the central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Name the three main parts of the brain
Cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla
Describe the function of each part of the brain
Cerebrum - memory and reasoning
Cerebellum - balance and muscle contraction
Medulla - breathing and heart rate
Name the three types of neurons
Sensory neuron, relay neuron and motor neuron
Describe the function of each type of neuron
Sensory - passes information to the CNS
Relay - passes information from sensory to motor
Motor - enables a response to occur by passing information to the effector
State the type of message that is passed through the nervous system
Electrical signal
State the speed of transmission of a nerve impulse
Very fast
Define the term receptor
A receptor detects changes in the environment called stimuli
Define the term effector and give two examples
An effector carries out the response to a stimulus. Examples of effectors are muscles and glands
Define the term synapse
The gap between two neurons
Describe how information is passed across a synapse
A chemical transmitter is released which diffuses across the gap