In basic biology, what is the term used for a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function?

Introduction / Context:
Living organisms show different levels of structural organization, from individual cells to tissues, organs, organ systems, and finally the whole organism. Understanding these levels is fundamental in biology. This question asks which term describes a group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options are tissue, organ, organ system, and cellular organization.
• We assume a typical multicellular organism, such as a plant or animal.
• The emphasis is on similarity of cells and shared function.

Concept / Approach:
A tissue is defined as a group of similar cells (and often their extracellular products) that work together to perform a particular function, such as muscle contraction or nerve impulse conduction. An organ consists of different types of tissues working together, for example the heart or leaf. An organ system is a group of organs working together to perform major physiological functions, such as the digestive system or respiratory system. “Cellular organization” is a general phrase and not the standard term for this specific level. Therefore, the correct answer must be tissue.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate option A, tissue. This directly matches the definition: a group of similar cells performing a specific function.Step 2: Evaluate option B, organ. Organs are composed of multiple tissue types; they are a higher level of organization than tissues.Step 3: Evaluate option C, organ system. This refers to a group of organs working together, so it is an even higher level of organization than an organ.Step 4: Evaluate option D, cellular organization. This phrase is too broad and describes how cells are arranged, not specifically the level of grouped similar cells performing one function.Step 5: Conclude that tissue is the correct term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard biology textbooks present a hierarchy: cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism. Examples include muscle tissue (made of muscle cells), the heart as an organ (containing muscle tissue, connective tissue, and nervous tissue), and the circulatory system as an organ system. This clearly confirms that the term for a group of similar cells performing a function is tissue.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because an organ includes several different tissues and is defined as a higher level of structural organization. Option C is wrong because an organ system is made up of multiple organs, not just similar cells. Option D is wrong because “cellular organization” is a generic phrase and does not precisely name the level of similar cells grouped for a function.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse tissue and organ, especially when the names sound similar (for example, muscle tissue vs. muscle organ). A helpful strategy is to remember that tissues are made of similar cells, organs are made of several tissues, and organ systems are made of organs. Visualizing specific examples, such as skin tissue forming the outer layer of an organ like the skin itself, can make these levels easier to remember.

Final Answer:
Tissue.