Biology WAEC

Tissues And Supporting Systems:

Overview

Welcome to the fascinating world of Biology, where we delve into the intricate structures that support living organisms. In this course material, we will explore the essential topic of Tissues and Supporting Systems. This section focuses on understanding the foundational framework that provides shape, support, and coordination in both animals and plants.

One of the main objectives of this topic is to identify and explain the location and arrangement of skeletal and supporting tissues in animals. The skeletal system in animals serves crucial functions such as providing structural support, protecting internal organs, and facilitating movement. Additionally, the arrangement of tissues plays a significant role in ensuring the efficiency of bodily functions.

Another key aspect we will explore is the general plan of the mammalian skeleton and the different types of joints. Understanding the structure of the skeleton and the various types of joints is essential in comprehending how movement and flexibility are achieved in animals. From the skull to the long bones in the limbs, each skeletal component has a specific function that contributes to the overall coordination of the body.

As we progress, we will delve into the detailed study of individual bones, their functions, and how these functions are performed in coordination with muscles during movement. The relationship between the skeleton and muscles is fundamental in understanding how animals carry out activities such as walking, running, and even intricate tasks like flying in birds.

Furthermore, we will explore different types of supporting tissues in plants, such as turgid parenchyma, collenchyma, xylem, and sclerenchyma. By examining the structure and functions of these plant tissues, we gain insight into how plants maintain rigidity, transport water and nutrients, and provide support for growth and development.

To enhance your understanding, practical exercises such as cutting and drawing the low-power transverse section of a stem and root of a herbaceous plant will be included. By labeling the different tissues such as epidermis, cortex, and stele, you will gain hands-on experience in identifying and visualizing the intricate structures within plants.

By the end of this course material, you will have a deep appreciation for the interplay between tissues and supporting systems in both animals and plants. Get ready to unravel the hidden complexities that underpin the remarkable diversity of life forms on our planet.

Objectives

  1. Explain How Skeleton Functions Are Performed In Coordination With Muscles During Movement
  2. Draw And Label Low Power TS Of Stem And Root Of Herbaceous Plant
  3. Understand Different Types Of Supporting Tissues In Plants
  4. Identify And Explain The Location And Arrangement Of Skeletal And Supporting Tissues In Animals
  5. Recognize, Draw, Label, And State The Functions Of Individual Bones
  6. Describe The General Plan Of The Mammalian Skeleton And Different Types Of Joints

Lesson Note

In biology, tissues and supporting systems play a crucial role in the overall functionality and survival of both plants and animals. These systems provide structure, facilitate movement, and perform various essential functions that are vital for growth, development, and everyday activities.

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Tissues And Supporting Systems:. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. The questions are as follows: Which type of tissue provides structural support and protection to plants? A. Turgid parenchyma B. Collenchyma C. Xylem (wood) D. Sclerenchyma Answer: D. Sclerenchyma
  2. In mammals, what is the function of the skeleton? A. Protection of internal organs B. Support for the body C. Facilitation of movement D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above
  3. What is the general plan of the mammalian skeleton? A. Cartilage only B. Axial and appendicular skeleton C. Endoskeleton only D. Exoskeleton only Answer: B. Axial and appendicular skeleton
  4. Which of the following is not a type of joint found in mammals? A. Fibrous joint B. Cartilaginous joint C. Synovial joint D. Suture joint Answer: D. Suture joint
  5. What is the primary function of the epidermis in plants? A. Photosynthesis B. Gas exchange C. Water absorption D. Protection Answer: D. Protection

Revision Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Tissues And Supporting Systems: from previous years

Question 1 Report

Study specimens H, K, L, M and N and answer questions (a) to (f).

figure
Specimens H, K, L, M and N

(a) State two observable structural differences between: (i) specimens H and L; (ii) specimens K and M.

(b)(i) State two ways each by which specimens H and M adapt the organisms to their modes of life. (ii) Name two types of food that the organism that possesses specimen H feeds on.

(c) Make a drawing, 8 cm to 10 cm long, of specimen K.

(d) Name one habitat of the organism that possesses specimen K.

(e) Name one feeding habit of each of the organisms that possesses specimen H and L.

(f) State two observable similarities between specimens: (i) H and L; (ii) K and M.

Answer Details

(a)

(i) Specimens H and L

  1. H has a short, stout, conical beak, whereas L has a long, slender, pointed beak.
  2. H has strong feet with claws suited for scratching the ground, whereas L has feet adapted mainly for perching.

(ii) Specimens K and M

  1. K has fins, whereas M has paddle-like flippers.
  2. K has a scaly body covering, whereas M has a smooth skin without scales.

(b)(i) Adaptations

SpecimenAdaptive features
HIts short, strong conical beak is used for picking and cracking seeds. Its strong clawed feet enable it to scratch the ground in search of food.
MIts streamlined body reduces resistance while moving in water. Its flippers and powerful tail aid swimming and propulsion.

(b)(ii) The organism possessing specimen H feeds on seeds or grains and insects.

(c) Drawing of specimen K, showing a fish about 8 cm to 10 cm long.

figure
Specimen K: labelled drawing of a fish.

(d) One habitat of the organism possessing specimen K is a freshwater pond.

(e)

SpecimenFeeding habit
HGranivorous or seed-feeding.
LInsectivorous.

(f)

(i) H and L: Both have beaks, and both possess feathers and wings.

(ii) K and M: Both have streamlined bodies, and both have tails used in movement through water.


Question 1 Report

The cortex of a herbaceous stem is made up of

Question 1 Report


The component that serves as major buffer in blood is
Answer Details

The major buffer in blood is the **bicarbonate buffer system**. The bicarbonate buffer system maintains the pH of the blood and is integral for physiological homeostasis. This system primarily involves **bicarbonate ions (HCO3-)** and works in conjunction with carbonic acid (H2CO3).


In the blood, the bicarbonate buffer system works by a reversible chemical reaction:

CO2 + H2O ⇋ H2CO3 ⇋ HCO3- + H+


Here’s how it functions:

  • When the pH of the blood decreases (indicating high acidity), the excess hydrogen ions (H+) react with **bicarbonate ions** to form **carbonic acid**, which then converts to carbon dioxide and helps to raise the pH back to normal.
  • Conversely, if the blood becomes too alkaline (higher pH), **carbonic acid** can release more hydrogen ions, lowering the pH back to the normal range.

This system is exceptionally effective at buffering rapid changes in pH. The respiratory and renal systems support the bicarbonate buffer system. The lungs regulate the concentration of CO2, and the kidneys control the concentration of HCO3-.


While erythrocytes (red blood cells), leucocytes (white blood cells), and lymph are components of blood, they do not play a primary role in the buffering systems of blood. The bicarbonate buffer system is primarily a chemical buffer that functions independently of these cellular components.