Structure & Function

Introduction

Structure and function are intimately linked in living systems, where the organization and arrangement of biological components enable specific functions necessary for survival and reproduction. The structure refers to the physical arrangement of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems within an organism, while the function describes the purpose or role that these structures fulfill. For example, in the human body, the structure of the heart, with its specialized chambers, valves, and blood vessels, enables its function as a pump that circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body. Similarly, the structure of leaves in plants, with their flat and thin shape, specialized cells called chloroplasts, and interconnected veins, facilitates the function of photosynthesis, where sunlight is converted into chemical energy to fuel plant growth.

In biological systems, the relationship between structure and function extends to various levels. At the cellular level, the structure of organelles such as mitochondria allows them to generate energy through cellular respiration. In multicellular organisms, tissues with specific structures, such as muscle tissue with its contractile fibers, enable the function of movement and locomotion. Organs, such as the lungs with their branching airways and alveoli, have structures that optimize gas exchange, facilitating the function of respiration. Moreover, at the molecular level, the structure of proteins dictates their function, as their three-dimensional shape determines their ability to bind to specific molecules and carry out biochemical reactions. Overall, the interplay between structure and function is fundamental to understanding and appreciating the complexity and adaptability of living systems.

Human Anatomy & Physiology - Structure & Function

Activity - Using images and simulations from Biodigital Human, illustrate explain the relationship of structure and function of components of the various systems of the human body as expressed in these slides. 

Structure & Function - Increased Surface Area by folding

Many structural/Functional features apply across many disciplines.  For example, increased surface area increases the following processes, regardless of whether they are in living, non-living, or human-designed systems: 

Diffusion, absorption, filtration, catalysis, adsorption, evaporation, photosynthesis, heat transfer, osmosis, reaction rates, gas exchange, membrane permeability, ion exchange, evaporative cooling, cell respiration, sedimentation, crystallization, emulsion formation, coating and painting, surface reaction kinetics, electrochemical reactions, biodegradation, mass transport, capillary action, surface tension effects, ion absorption by minerals, microbial attachment and biofilm formation, dissolution, microfiltration, electrophoresis, enzymatic reactions, surface-assisted synthesis, polymerization, wetting and spreading, surface lubrication, cell adhesion, sediment trapping, surface-enhanced spectroscopy, microarray analysis, surface-enhanced catalysis.

Activity - Create a Slide Show illustrating the relationship between structure and function of increased surface area by folding in non-living systems or living systems.