📘 Concept & Theory Concept and Theory ›
Living organisms perform numerous activities such as growth, transportation of materials, movement, protection, and reproduction. If every cell had to perform all these functions independently, the organism would not work efficiently. Therefore, groups of similar cells become specialised to perform particular functions. Such specialised groups of cells are called tissues.
In multicellular organisms, cells having a common origin, similar structure, and performing the same specific function become organised into tissues. This organisation creates division of labour, making life processes more efficient.
Tissue represents an intermediate level of organisation between individual cells and organs.
Organisational hierarchy in living organisms:
Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism
🗺️ Solution Roadmap Step-by-step Plan ›
Recall the meaning of a tissue.
Mention that tissues are made up of similar cells.
State that these cells work together.
Specify that they perform a particular or specific function.
📊 Graph / Figure Graph / Figure ›
✏️ Solution Complete Solution ›
- A multicellular organism contains numerous cells.
- Cells with similar structure and common origin become grouped together.
- These grouped cells perform a particular function collectively.
- Therefore, tissue is defined as a group of similar cells having a common origin that work together to perform a specific function.
- Tissue is a level of biological organisation that lies between cells and organs.
🎯 Exam Significance Exam Significance ›
- This is one of the most frequently asked one-mark definitions in Class IX examinations.
- Students should use the keywords "group of similar cells" and "perform a specific function" to obtain full marks.
- The definition forms the foundation for understanding plant and animal tissues in subsequent questions.
🔑 Key Takeaways Key Takeaways ›
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A tissue is a group of similar cells having a common origin.
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The cells in a tissue work together to perform a specific function.
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Tissues provide division of labour in multicellular organisms.
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Tissue is an organisational level between cells and organs.
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Specialisation of tissues increases the efficiency of living organisms.
