QUESTION 8 Emergent properties of living systems are defined as properties that O are apparent only when an organism is studied at the molecular level O are due to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases O are evident during only one portion of the life cycle of an organism O define the cell's surroundings O none of the above K

A unicellular organism is an organism that consists of only a single cell, such as an amoeba, paramecium, and bacteria. A multicellular organism is an organism that consists of more than one cell such as butterflies, frogs, flowering plants and vertebrates. In multicellular organisms, specialised tissues with different functions can be formed through cell differentiation. These are called emergent properties.

In multicellular organisms, cells can be grouped together to form tissues. Multiple tissues can group to form organs. Organs can interact to form an organ system. These organ systems work together to carry out the functions of life for the multicellular organism.

Example: Emergent properties at various levels of biological organisation can be seen in the human vascular system. At each of these levels, new properties emerge due to the interaction of the cells. At the cell level, we have a muscle cell. At the tissue level, we have cardiac tissue which is made up of multiple muscle cells and is able to perform the new task of synchronized contractions. At the organ level, we have the heart, which is made up of a collection of cardiac tissue and is able to perform the new task of pumping blood. At the system level, we have the vascular system which is the heart as well as the arteries and veins, this system is able to transport the blood throughout the body. At the organism level, we have the whole human, where the whole body is able to use this blood to perform the functions required for life.