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Q9:
Multicellular organisms have division of labour. Explain.
Solution :
Theoretical Foundation: Multicellularity and Specialization
In biological systems, the transition from unicellular to multicellular complexity necessitates a transition from individual autonomy to integrated functional specialization. The concept of division of labour in a multicellular organism refers to the systematic distribution of specific physiological and structural tasks among distinct groups of cells, tissues, and organs [Ref: Cell Theory and Hierarchical Organization of Life].
Step 1: The Principle of Cellular Differentiation
Division of labour is primarily achieved through cellular differentiation. All cells within a multicellular organism (excluding germ cells) originate from a single zygote via mitosis, inheriting the same genetic blueprint ($DNA$). However, through selective gene expression, cells undergo morphological and functional modifications.
- Genomic Equivalence: All cells contain the same genome.
- Differential Gene Expression: Different cell types express only the specific genes required for their unique function [Per Central Dogma Regulation].
Step 2: Hierarchical Levels of Organization
The division of labour is structured into an increasing hierarchy of complexity, ensuring that the organism functions as a unified whole:
| Level | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cell | Basic structural and functional unit. | Myocyte (Muscle cell) |
| Tissue | Group of similar cells performing a common task. | Muscular Tissue |
| Organ | Structures composed of multiple tissues. | Heart |
| Organ System | Coordinated organs working toward a physiological goal. | Circulatory System |
Step 3: Functional Illustrations
Step 4: Evolutionary Advantage
The division of labour provides three distinct biological advantages:
- Increased Efficiency: Specialized cells optimize metabolic processes (e.g., mitochondria concentration is higher in myocytes for ATP production).
- Homeostasis Maintenance: Specialized organ systems (renal, respiratory) maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations [Per Cannon’s Homeostatic Principle].
- Increased Size and Longevity: By distributing metabolic burdens, multicellular organisms surpass the surface-area-to-volume ratio constraints that limit unicellular life.
Final Solution: Multicellular organisms exhibit division of labour through the differentiation of cells into specialized tissues and organs, each governed by selective gene expression, thereby maximizing metabolic efficiency, enabling complex physiological homeostasis, and overcoming the size limitations inherent in single-celled life.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life EXERCISES
- Q1: Which of the following is not correct?
- Q2: New cells generate from
- Q3: Match the following Column I Column II (a) Cristae (i) Flat membranous sacs in stroma (b) Cisternae (ii) Infoldings in mitochondria (c) Thylakoids (iii) Disc-shaped sacs in Golgi apparatus
- Q4: Which of the following is correct:
- Q5: What is a mesosome in a prokaryotic cell? Mention the functions that it performs.
- Q6: How do neutral solutes move across the plasma membrane? Can the polar molecules also move across it in the same way? If not, then how are these transported across the membrane?
- Q7: Name two cell-organelles that are double membrane bound. What are the characteristics of these two organelles? State their functions and draw labelled diagrams of both.
- Q8: What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?
- Q10: Cell is the basic unit of life. Discuss in brief.
- Q11: What are nuclear pores? State their function.
- Q12: Both lysosomes and vacuoles are endomembrane structures, yet they differ in terms of their functions. Comment.
- Q13(i): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (i) Nucleus
- Q13(ii): Describe the structure of the following with the help of labelled diagrams. (ii) Centrosome
- Q14: What is a centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes. Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of centromere on different types of chromosomes.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Cell – The Unit of Life
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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