AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Students should be able to, when provided with appropriate information,…
Full specification wording
Cell specialisation: Students should be able to, when provided with appropriate information, explain how the structure of different types of cell relate to their function in a tissue, an organ or organ system, or the whole organism.
This statement asks you to use supplied information to link a cell's structure to its job at increasing levels of organisation.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement asks you to use supplied information to link a cell's structure to its job at increasing levels of organisation. A tissue is a group of similar cells working together, an organ is several tissues working together, an organ system is several organs working together, and the whole organism is all the systems combined. For example, a sperm cell has a tail for swimming, many mitochondria for energy and an acrosome containing enzymes, so it can reach and fertilise an egg; this contributes to the reproductive system and the whole organism. You should name a structural feature, state its function, and explain how that function helps the cell, tissue, organ, system or organism carry out its role.
What earns the marks
- Identifies a named cell type and describes at least one structural feature accurately.
- Links each structural feature to a specific function, for example many mitochondria release energy for movement or active transport.
- Places the cell in context by explaining its role in a tissue, organ, organ system or whole organism.
- Uses correct levels of organisation vocabulary, distinguishing cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and organisms.
- Applies information provided in the question rather than relying only on recalled examples.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing a feature without linking it to function.
Put it right: State both the feature and the job it performs.
Confusing an organ with an organ system.
Put it right: Remember that an organ system contains several organs, such as the digestive system containing the stomach and small intestine.
Giving a vague function such as 'helps the cell work'.
Put it right: Name the precise process, such as absorbing water or transmitting electrical impulses.
Exam tips
- Use the structure–function sentence pattern: 'The cell has ... which allows it to ... so that ...'.
- When the question supplies information, quote or refer to it directly to show you have used the given context.
- Name the level of organisation explicitly, for example 'in the leaf tissue' or 'in the root hair cell of the root'.
- Check that every clause of the question is addressed, including the level of organisation specified.
Try the lesson
The start of the Cell specialisation: Students should be able to, when provided with appropriate information, explain how the structure of different types of cell relate to their function in a tissue, an organ or organ system, or the whole organism. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A root hair cell has a long, thin extension. How does this structure help the cell carry out its function?
Listen
This statement asks you to use supplied information to link a cell's structure to its job at increasing levels of organisation. A tissue is a group of similar cells working together, an organ is several tissues working together, an organ system is several organs working together, and the whole organism is all the systems combined. For example, a sperm cell has a tail for swimming, many mitochondria for energy and an acrosome containing enzymes, so it can reach and fertilise an egg; this contributes to the reproductive system and the whole organism. You should name a structural feature, state its function, and explain how that function helps the cell, tissue, organ, system or organism carry out its role. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies a named cell type and describes at least one structural feature accurately. Links each structural feature to a specific function, for example many mitochondria release energy for movement or active transport. Places the cell in context by explaining its role in a tissue, organ, organ system or whole organism. Uses correct levels of organisation vocabulary, distinguishing cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and organisms. A common slip: Describing a feature without linking it to function. Instead, state both the feature and the job it performs. Exam tip: Use the structure–function sentence pattern: 'The cell has ... which allows it to ... so that ...
See it
Key words
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Cell specialisation
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Structure and function
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Levels of organisation
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See every definition
- Cell specialisation
- A named cell type has structural features that enable it to carry out its function, and each feature is linked to a specific job.
- Structure and function
- A structural feature is named and its function stated, explaining how that function helps the cell carry out its role.
- Levels of organisation
- A tissue is a group of similar cells working together, an organ is several tissues working together, an organ system is several organs working together, and the whole organism is all the systems combined.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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