Topic Seven (1.7): Cells to Organ Systems

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  • use the circulatory system to illustrate the hierarchy of organisation in a multicellular organism.

Revision Tasks Icon.png Retrieval starter question

  • Define diffusion.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn how cells are organised into a hierarchy of different structures to make a multicellular organism. Cells are the building blocks of life that make up more complex structures, cells form tissues, tissues form organs and organs work together to form organ systems.

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

Reactivate activity - optional

Before applying your knowledge to new concepts in this topic, you can check your understanding of previous concepts. If you want to check your understanding and reactivate your knowledge, please complete this reactivate activity:

  • Read ‘Levels of organisation’ and ‘Digestion’ on page 38 in your Activate 3 coursebook and answer the Reactivate your knowledge questions at the top of page 40.

Apply your knowledge

You are now ready to apply your knowledge of organisation and organ systems. Multicellular organisms are complex and include many organs that can work together.

Watch the video below about levels of organisation:

  • Read page 40 in your Activate 3 coursebook. Draw a diagram summarising the levels of organisation from cells to organ systems. Use Figure 1 and Figure 2 to help you.
  • Read page 41 in your Activate 3 coursebook.

COMPLETE - B3 2.2 Support: Cells to organ systems (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

  • Complete Summary questions 1-6 on page 41.

Bridge Icon.png Support activities for this topic

You can watch this video from Activate 1 to help you understand the way living systems are organised: 

WATCH – B1 Chapter 2 Mini clip 1 – Organisation of living systems Links to an external site. 

COMPLETE - (Question 1) Biology 3 Vocab Builder 2 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site. 

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

Watch the video clips about cell organisation. Choose a living system (circulatory, digestive, nervous). Describe the cells, the types of tissue and the organs that make up that system.

WATCH - Cell (Twig)

WATCH - Tissue (Twig)

WATCH - Organs (Twig)

WATCH - Organ systems / digestion (Twig)

[Twig videos not available on sample course]

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - Topic question answers - Module One (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Student Book Answers – B3 Chapter 2 (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]