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BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 5

  1. Define cell differentiation.   (1 mark)

  2. Explain one factor that influences cell differentiation.   (2 marks)

  3. Discuss why cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms.   (2 marks)

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a.   Cell differentiation:

  • The process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type with a specific structure and function. 

b.   Factors that influence cell differentiation (include one of the following):

  • The timing of gene activation during development, which can determine what type of cell a stem cell becomes
  • The presence of specific growth factors or signalling molecules in the cell’s environment, which can activate or repress certain genes.
  • A cell’s position within an embryo or tissue, which exposes it to different chemical signals from neighbouring cells. 

c.    Reasons cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms:

  • It allows for the development of specialised tissues and organs, each performing specific functions more efficiently than generalised cells could.
  • This specialisation enables the division of labor within the organism, leading to more complex and sophisticated biological processes.
  • Cell differentiation also allows multicellular organisms to develop intricate body plans and respond more effectively to their environment, ultimately enhancing their survival and reproductive success.
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a.   Cell differentiation:

  • The process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type with a specific structure and function. 

b.    Factors that influence cell differentiation (include one of the following):

  • The timing of gene activation during development, which can determine what type of cell a stem cell becomes
  • The presence of specific growth factors or signalling molecules in the cell’s environment, which can activate or repress certain genes.
  • A cell’s position within an embryo or tissue, which exposes it to different chemical signals from neighbouring cells. 

c.    Reasons cell differentiation is crucial for the functioning of complex organisms:

  • It allows for the development of specialised tissues and organs, each performing specific functions more efficiently than generalised cells could.
  • This specialisation enables the division of labor within the organism, leading to more complex and sophisticated biological processes.
  • Cell differentiation also allows multicellular organisms to develop intricate body plans and respond more effectively to their environment, ultimately enhancing their survival and reproductive success.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 7 MC

In the human body, which of the following is an example of tissue?

  1. A single red blood cell
  2. The entire heart
  3. Skeletal muscle
  4. The circulatory system
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\(C\)

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  • Skeletal muscle is an example of tissue because it consists of multiple similar cells (muscle fibres) working together to perform a specific function (contraction for movement), which is characteristic of a tissue in multicellular organisms.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 3 MC

How do specialised cells within an organ contribute to the organ's overall function?

  1. Specialised cells each perform a different task unrelated to the organ’s main function.
  2. Specialised cells work independently, without interacting with other cells in the organ.
  3. Specialised cells work together, each contributing to the organ’s overall function by performing specific tasks.
  4. Specialised cells can revert to their original form if the organ malfunctions.
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\(C\)

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  • In organs, specialised cells perform different but complementary functions.
  • For example, in the heart, muscle cells contract to pump blood, while pacemaker cells regulate the heartbeat, ensuring that the organ functions as a whole to support the body’s needs.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Which of the following best describes the relationship between cell differentiation and tissue formation in multicellular organisms?

  1. All cells remain identical throughout the organism's life, regardless of function.
  2. Cells differentiate to perform specific functions, forming tissues made of similar cells.
  3. Cells differentiate randomly without regard to the type of tissue they form.
  4. Differentiated cells lose the ability to form tissues or organs.
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\(B\)

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  • In multicellular organisms, cell differentiation allows cells to become specialised for specific tasks, such as muscle contraction or nerve signalling.
  • These specialised cells group together to form tissues, which then work collectively to perform particular functions within organs and systems.

\(\Rightarrow B\)

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 27

  1. Define the term differentiation.   (1 mark)

  2. Explain, using examples, why multicellular organisms require specialised cells.   (4 marks)

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a.    Differentiation:

  • The difference in shape and size between different cells in a multicellular organism due to their specialised function.

b.    Multicellular organisms require specialised cells:

  • Multicellular organisms are large organisms which require many complex internal processes to function.
  • To be more effective, multicellular organisms have specialised cells. Specialised cells have a certain shape, size and number and type of organelles.
  • Cell specialisation allows cells to perform one specific role to benefit the whole organism rather than every individual cell performing every function.
  • This makes multicellular organisms able to carry out many complex functions while still remaining energy efficient.
  • Examples: human muscle cells contain many mitochondria in order to produce a large supply of energy via cellular respiration, while red blood cells contain no nucleus, enabling them to carry more haemoglobin and therefore more oxygen.
Show Worked Solution

a.    Differentiation:

  • The difference in shape and size between different cells in a multicellular organism due to their specialised function.

b.    Multicellular organisms require specialised cells:

  • Multicellular organisms are large organisms which require many complex internal processes to function.
  • To be more effective, multicellular organisms have specialised cells. Specialised cells have a certain shape, size and number and type of organelles.
  • Cell specialisation allows cells to perform one specific role to benefit the whole organism rather than every individual cell performing every function.
  • This makes multicellular organisms able to carry out many complex functions while still remaining energy efficient.
  • Examples: human muscle cells contain many mitochondria in order to produce a large supply of energy via cellular respiration, while red blood cells contain no nucleus, enabling them to carry more haemoglobin and therefore more oxygen.

BIOLOGY, M2 EQ-Bank 4 MC

What component of a mature red blood cell relates to its function?

  1. Its biconcave shape allows them to move quicker.
  2. Its biconcave shape allows them to more effectively carry antibodies.
  3. The reduction of the nucleus allows for more effective duplication via mitosis.
  4. The reduction of the nucleus allow them to carry more haemoglobin and hence more \( \ce{O_2}\).
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\(D\)

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By Elimination

  • The biconcave shape allows for greater manoeuvrability, especially through tight areas like capillaries (Eliminate A and B).
  • The reduction of a large nucleus allows more space for haemoglobin molecules (Eliminate C).

\(\Rightarrow D\)