Question

A tissue is a group of cells having a (a) Common origin and always a common function. (b) Common origin and always a different function. (c) Common origin and usually a common function. (d) Different origin and a different function.

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) A tissue is a group of cells having a common origin and usually a common function.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept of Tissue

A tissue in biological context is a group of cells that have similar structure and work together for a common function. They originate from the same type of cells.

Evaluating the Options

Looking at the four options, eliminate those that contradict the definition of a tissue. Option (b) suggests tissues always have a different function, this contradicts the definition since tissues usually work together for the same function. Option (d) suggests that tissues have different origins and different functions; this is not correct since tissues arise from the same type of cells and work together for a common function.

Selecting the Correct Answer

After evaluation, the best definition for tissues among the provided options is, a group of cells having a 'Common origin and usually a common function.'. So, the correct answer is option (c).

Key concepts

Cell Structure

Cells are the basic building blocks of life, and they have a complex structure that supports their various functions. Each cell is composed of several key components, including:

• Cell Membrane: The outer layer that protects the cell and regulates what enters and exits.
• Nucleus: The command center of the cell, housing DNA and controlling cell activities.
• Cytoplasm: The gel-like fluid inside the cell where organelles inhabit and function.
• Mitochondria: The powerhouses of the cell that generate energy.
• Ribosomes: Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Understanding cell structure is essential because the organization of these components determines how efficiently a cell can perform its tasks. For instance, the cell membrane's selective permeability is crucial for maintaining the internal environment, illustrating the close relationship between form and function in biological tissues.

Cell Function

Cells have diverse functions depending on their type and location within an organism. At a fundamental level, all cells engage in several key processes to sustain life:

• Metabolism: The chemical reactions needed to maintain the living state of cells.
• Growth and Development: Cells grow by increasing in size and dividing to form new cells.
• Response to Stimuli: Cells can react to changes in their environment, such as temperature or nutrient availability.
• Reproduction: Cells reproduce to ensure continuity of life through mitosis or meiosis.
• Homeostasis: Cells maintain a stable internal environment.

By performing these functions, cells contribute to larger processes within tissues, organs, and ultimately the entire organism. For example, muscle cells contract to allow motion, while nerve cells transmit signals to coordinate actions quickly across the body.

Common Origin

The concept of common origin refers to the way that cells are derived from similar precursor cells during development. This is a fundamental aspect of how tissues form and function. During embryonic development, cells differentiate based on genetic instructions to form tissues with specialized roles. This differentiation means that even as cells diverge to perform unique functions, they share a common genetic makeup that traces back to the origin during early developmental stages. Understanding this concept helps explain why tissues can perform their roles effectively. Since the cells within a tissue originate from the same source, they work seamlessly together, maintaining coherence in function and structure as they fulfill their biological roles. This commonality is crucial for the formation of complex systems within an organism, underscoring the beauty of biological organization and efficiency.