GCSE Biology · AQA 8461 · Topic 4.2.1
Principles of organisation
Key points
- A cell is the basic unit of life. A tissue is a group of similar cells with the same function (e.g. muscle tissue).
- An organ is made of several tissues working together (e.g. the stomach has muscle, glandular and epithelial tissue).
- An organ system is a group of organs that work together, such as the digestive system.
- Organ systems work together to make a whole organism.
- Exam tip: be able to put structures in order of size and give an example at each level for both plants and animals.
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Large organisms are not just bags of identical cells. Their cells are arranged in a clear hierarchy, with each level made from the one below. This short sub-topic gives you the vocabulary you will use throughout the rest of Organisation.
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