OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What do specialized cells in multicellular organisms form to perform a particular function?

1. Organs

2. Tissues

3. Systems

4. Organelles

The correct answer is: Tissues

Specialized cells in multicellular organisms group together to form tissues, which are collections of cells that work together to perform specific functions. For instance, muscle cells combine to create muscle tissue, which is responsible for movement. Similarly, specialized cells such as neurons form nervous tissue that is critical for transmitting signals throughout the body. In contrast, organs are made up of different types of tissues that work together to carry out complex functions, such as the heart or lungs. Systems are groups of organs that work collaboratively to perform broader biological functions, such as the circulatory or respiratory system. Organelles, on the other hand, are specialized structures within individual cells that contribute to cellular functions, rather than being made up of groups of cells.