The second unit in the NEET biology syllabus is about the structural organization in animals and plants. This matches the NCERT biology textbook for class 11. This unit makes up about 10% of the NEET exam and is also important for other medical entrance exams. It gives a detailed look at the structure and form of both plants and animals. The topics are split into different chapters to help students understand better. Learning about the structural organization in animals and plants will help with later topics like plant physiology and animal physiology. Many questions in the NEET exam come from the chapter on the structural organization in animals. So, this unit is important not only because of its weight in the exam but also for understanding future chapters.
By studying the chapters on structural organization in animals and plants, you will learn about different parts of flowering plants, the inner structure of plant bodies, and various tissues and their functions in animals. There is also a comparison of earthworms, cockroaches, and frogs. This chapter can be hard to remember and learn because of its detailed information. Therefore, don't try to just memorize it. Instead, focus on understanding the concepts clearly.
What is Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
Structural organization in animals and plants refers to how their bodies are organized into different levels, from simple cells to complex systems.
In Animals:
1. Cells:
- Basic units of life.
- Different types, like muscle cells, nerve cells, and blood cells.
2. Tissues:
- Groups of similar cells performing specific functions.
- Main types include:
- Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces and lines organs.
- Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues (e.g., bone, blood).
- Muscle Tissue: Enables movement.
- Nervous Tissue: Transmits signals.
3. Organs:
- Made up of different tissues working together.
- Examples: heart, lungs, stomach.
4. Organ Systems:
- Groups of organs that perform related functions.
- Major systems include:
- Circulatory System: Transports blood and nutrients.
- Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous System: Controls body activities and responds to stimuli.
In Plants:
1. Cells:
- Basic units of life in plants.
- Types include parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells.
2. Tissues:
- Groups of cells with a common function.
- Main types are:
- Meristematic Tissue: Responsible for growth.
- Permanent Tissue: Differentiated cells performing specific functions.
- Simple Permanent Tissue: Includes parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma.
- Complex Permanent Tissue: Includes xylem (water transport) and phloem (food transport).
3. Organs:
- Main organs include roots, stems, leaves, flowers.
- Each organ has specific functions.
4. Organ Systems:
- Two main systems:
- Root System: Anchors the plant, absorbs water and minerals.
- Shoot System: Includes stems, leaves, flowers, responsible for photosynthesis, reproduction, and transport.