Name:

Date:

Grade 8
Science

Cell Structures and Organelles

Cytology: It is the study of cells, and it relies on contributions from many
different microscopes technologies. Although electron microscopes are very
crucial for extremely detailed images of very tiny structures, light
microscopes continue to be useful because they can be used with the living
cells.
Specialized cells are found in each organ in the body, with some cells
specific for that organ. Each cell consists of tiny structures, some of which
are clearly visible with a light microscope. Others are only visible when
specially prepared.
The longest cell
Cells are:

organized in groups
each group performs certain tasks
cells are organized into tissues
tissues are organized into organs
organs are organized into organ systems
these are called levels of biological organization

The Cell Level

the cell is the basic unit of all living things

nothing smaller than a cell is considered living
Unicellular or one-celled organisms are made of a single cell. Example: amoeba can only
be organized at the cell level within the cell each organelles performs a specific task this is
the smallest division of labor
Complex multi-cellular organisms are made of specialized cells each type performs a
certain function e.g., humans contain nerve cells, muscle cells, bone cells, etc.

The Tissue Level

tissue is a group of specialized cells which have the same structure and function
many muscle cells work together in a tissue - e.g., To move an arm.
vertebrates have many types of tissues - e.g., Muscle tissue, bone tissue, nerve tissue, etc.
plants have tissue too - e.g., Flowering plants have conducting tissue, photosynthesis tissue,
storage tissue, epidermal tissue (skin), etc.

The Organ Level

an organ consists of several tissues that work together as a unit to perform specific functions
e.g., Heart is an organ with muscle tissue, nerve tissue, fibrous tissue, etc.
e.g., Arm is an organ with bone tissue, muscle tissue, shin tissue, etc.
plants gave organs too - plant leaf is an organ - it consists of conducting tissue, support
tissue, epidermal tissue, photosynthetic tissue

Science GRADE 8 Life Systems Unit: Body Structures and Functions: Cells

Name:

Date:

Grade 8
Science

Cell Structures and Organelles

The Organ System Level

group of organs that work together to perform a specific function - this level is found only in
animals
e.g., Human digestive system consists of jaws, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, liver, etc.
other organ systems are the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the nervous system,
the skeletal system, etc.

Cell Theory
1. All living organisms are composed of cells,
2. Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
3. Cells are the basic unit of life. They may be unicellular or multicellular.

Science GRADE 8 Life Systems Unit: Body Structures and Functions: Cells