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what are three example of different structures in Biology in how the form or sha

ID: 81549 • Letter: W

Question

what are three example of different structures in Biology in how the form or shape of these structures is well suited to their function. The structures may be molecules, compounds, organelles, cells, or organs but each of the three structures must be different. what is meant by the phrase “form fits function”. Include a detailed description of EACH structure you chose and explain how its structure relates to its function. Be very specific in your description of both the form and the function of each structure you chose

Explanation / Answer

Different structures in Biology have different forms and shapes well suited to their function. The following examples will prove this -

1. Leaves - Leaves are associated with plants and the lamina of the leaf is well expanded and stretched out considering its role in photosynthesis. In photosynthesis plants take in solar energy for the manufacture of glucose . In order to maximize the solar energy the leaves are well extended.

2. Root hairs in the root - Roots perform the process of absorption of water and mineral salts from the soil. To increase the surface area of the roots in order to maximize absorption, they have unicellular extensions from the epidermal layer called as root hairs. They are numerous and help in enhancing absorption of water and mineral salts.

3. Enzymes - Enzymes are macromolecules basically proteinaceous in nature. Being a protein it is a polypeptide made up of several amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The polypeptide folds upon itself in the three dimensional structure to form a crevice which forms the active site of the enzyme. These are sites in enzyme where the substrate binds to carry out enzymtic catalysis.

4. Nerve cell - These cells are present in animal cells and function to transfer nerve impulses in the body to give rise to response to a particular stimulus. The cells are long and at one end it has cell body with several denrites to capture nerve impulses. The elongated end is called axon. It has several nerve endings to transfer these nerve impulses to the next nerve cell.

From the above examples it is clear that form fits function. The shape and structure of every bioogical entity is carefully tailored befitting its function and keeping in mind the economy of the cell and to maximize resource utilization.