Notes
GLI#5: Explain that multi-cellular organisms have a variety of specialized cells, tissues, organs, and organ
systems that perform specialized functions.
Learning Target #1: I can describe cell theory. (Pages 9-15)
I. Before the cell theory.
A. Spontaneous Generation- The idea that living things come from nonliving things.
II. Three concepts of cell theory.
A. Every living thing is made of one or more cells.
B. Cells carry out the functions needed to support life.
C. Cells come only from other living cells.
III. All living things are made of cells.
A. The cell is the smallest unit of a living things.
1. Unicellular-organisms that are made of a single cell.
a. cannot see without a microscope.
b. single-celled organisms perform all the activities that characterize life.
2. Multicellular- organisms that are made of many cells.
a. most you can see without any type of aide.
b. different parts of multicellular organisms perform different functions
c. different types of cells work together to help the organism to meet its need.
Ex. Muscles cells help an organism move.
IV. Cells carry out the functions needed to support life.
A. Functions of life (aka the characteristics of life)
1. Organization- organized in a way that enables it to meet its needs.
a. All cells have parts to it that have a specific function.
2. The ability to grow and develop
3. The ability to respond to the environment
4. The ability to reproduce
V. Cells come from other cells.
A. Cells Divide to make more cells
B. One cell divides into two cells
Learning Target #2: I can describe how organisms are classified by cell types. (page 26-28)
I. Organisms can be classified by their cell type
A. Most organisms on Earth are single cell.
B. Domain- a broad category of living things that is based on characteristics of their cells.
1. Three domains
a. Archaea- single cell organisms that look like bacteria but are different
genetically.
1. Prokaryotes- contains no organelles, genetic material mixed into
cytoplasm
b. Bacteria- single cell organisms.
1. Prokaryotes- contains no organelles, genetic material mixed into
cytoplasm
c. Eukaryotes1. Organisms that have cell structures called organelles
2. Genetic material in chromosomes found in nucleus of cell.
Learning Target #3: I can explain specialization of cells. (page 28)
I. Cells in multicellular organisms are specialized.
A. Most multicellular organisms have many different types of cells
1. ex: blood cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells.
B. Cells have specialization
1. specific cells perform specific functions
a. blood cells carry oxygen and fight infection
b. muscles cells move an organism
c. In plants, certain cells do photosynthesis, others draw water from soil, while
others support the weight of the plant.
Learning Target #4: I can explain how cells, tissues, and organs are organized into systems.(page 2931)
I. A multicellular organism is a community of cells.
A. Tissue- a group of similar cells that are organized to do a specific job.
B. Organ- different tissues working together to perform a specific function.
a. the eye is composed of different tissues that work together to allow sight.
b. a leaf is composed of different tissues that provides a plant with energy and
materials.
C. Organ system- different organs working together.
a. the digestive system is an organ system. The mouth, stomach, liver, intestines, ect all
work together to get energy from food.
D. Organism- highest level of organization.
a. see all the characteristics of life.
1. organization
2. the ability to develop and grow
3. the ability to respond to the environment
4. the ability to reproduce.
Cells
E. Organization
Tissues
Organ
Organ System
Organism
Learning Target #5: I can demonstrate the basic functions of organ systems. (respiratory, skeleton,
nervous, endocrine, excretory, muscular, digestive, reproductive, and immune.)
I. Organ Systems
A. Respiratory System
1. Function- to provide gas exchange between the blood and the environment.
Primarily, oxygen is absorbed from the atmosphere into the body and carbon dioxide is
expelled from the body.
2. Major Organs-Nose, trachea and lungs
B. Skeleton System
1. Function-to provide support for the body, to protect delicate internal organs and to
provide attachment sites for the organs
2. Major Organs-Bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments
C. Nervous System
1. Function-to relay electrical signals through the body. The nervous system directs
behavior and movement and, along with the endocrine system, controls physiological
processes such as digestion, circulation, etc.
2. Major Organs-Brain, spinal cord and nerves
D. Endocrine System
1. Function-to relay chemical messages through the body. In conjunction with the
nervous system, these chemical messages help control physiological processes such as
nutrient absorption, growth, etc.
2. Major Organs-hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands
E. Muscular System
1. Function-is to provide movement. Muscles work in pairs to move limbs and provide
the organism with mobility. Muscles also control the movement of materials through
some organs, such as the stomach and intestine, and the heart and circulatory system.
2. Major Organs-Skeletal muscles and smooth muscles throughout the body.
F. Digestive System
1. Function-to breakdown and absorb nutrients that are necessary for growth and
maintenance
2. Major Organs-Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines
G. Reproductive System
1. Function-to manufacture cells that allow reproduction
2. Major Organs-ovaries and testes
H. Immune System
1. Function- to destroy and remove invading microbes and viruses from the body
2. Major Organs-Lymph, lymph nodes and vessels, white blood cells