Understanding:
• Multicellular organisms have properties that emerge from the interaction of their cellular components
Emergent properties arise when the interaction of individual component produce new functions
- "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” – Aristotle
Multicellullar organisms are capable of completing functions that unicellular organisms could not undertake – this is due to the collective actions of individual cells combining to create new synergistic effects
In multicellular organisms:
- Cells may be grouped together to form tissues
- Organs are then formed from the functional grouping of multiple tissues
- Organs that interact may form organ systems capable of carrying out specific body functions
- Organ systems collectively carry out the life functions of the complete organism
Organisation of Multicellular Organisms
