Explain how the organisation of cells into tissues and organs allows the human digestive system to break down and absorb food efficiently.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
A tissue is a group of cells with a similar structure and function working together. Different tissues are organised together to form an organ, for example the stomach or small intestine. Each tissue within the organ carries out a specific role that contributes to digestion or absorption – muscular tissue churns food, epithelial tissue absorbs nutrients, and glandular tissue secretes enzymes. This division of labour or specialisation means each tissue or organ performs its function more efficiently than individual cells could alone.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme – e.g. "tissue", "organ", "division of labour".
- Show the link between tissue type and its function (muscular, epithelial, glandular).
- Explain how this organisation improves efficiency compared to single cells.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the definition of tissue and organ.
- Failing to mention all three tissue types (muscular, epithelial, glandular).
- Using vague phrases like "helps" instead of specific functions such as "churns food" or "absorbs nutrients".
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- A tissue is a group of cells with a similar structure and function working together
- Different tissues are organised together to form an organ (e.g. the stomach or small intestine)
- Each tissue within the organ carries out a specific role that contributes to digestion or absorption (e.g. muscular tissue churns food / epithelial tissue absorbs nutrients / glandular tissue secretes enzymes)
- This division of labour / specialisation means each tissue/organ performs its function more efficiently than individual cells could alone
Key terms in this question
Related
- Revision notes: Levels of organisation →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Levels of organisation questions
- Describe how the structures found in a leaf are organised to allow the leaf to c…
- Explain why a muscle cell, on its own, cannot carry out all the functions needed…
- A student says: 'A multicellular organism is just a collection of cells working …
- Explain how cells are organised into different levels of organisation in a multi…