Cell and Tissue

Cell and Tissue are two different types of biological materials. Cells are the most fundamental unit of living organisms which is classified as a biological composite. Tissues are groups of cells which perform specific functions and act as an organ system to maintain homeostasis for the body and its parts when the body suffers from diseases or other circumstances.

What is Cell?

A cell is the smallest structural unit in a living organism that determines the function of all the organs in the body. Cells are also called a biological composite as they are made up of several organelles such as nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

Features of Cell

1. Information: Each cell has a DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) which is the blueprint of the body and maintains information about chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other changes that happen in the body. 
2. Reproduction: All the cells in a body divide over time to produce new individuals which perform their own functions.
3. Action: The action of a cell is to produce energy through oxidative phosphorylation.
4. Storage: Cells store chemical substances such as lipids and proteins which are synthesized by other types of cells. Some cells also store amino acids (which are chemical substances that act as enzymes to break down foods such as proteins and carbohydrates into useful molecules that can be used by the body). 
5. Repair: Each cell has the ability to repair itself after it suffers from some form of injury. 

What is Tissue?

Tissue or an organ system is a group of cells and all their parts which perform specific functions and act as an organ system to maintain homeostasis for the body and its parts. 

Features of Tissue

1. Body: All tissues are attached to a central structure called the body. The tissues located in different areas of the body like skin, muscles, bones and other tissues work together to build the structure and function of the body. 
2. Differentiation: Tissues are different from one another because their cells have been specialized to do specific functions. They can be classified as connective tissues, epithelial tissues, muscular tissues etc. 
3. Function: Each tissue performs a specific function for its purpose such as the connective tissues in the skin protecting it from outside threats. 
4. Extracellular Matrix: A network of protein and sugars which surrounds the cells of tissue is called an extracellular matrix. This matrix also connects all the parts of an organ system together to create an organ. 
5. Plasma Membrane: A phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cells. 

Cell and Tissue: Difference 

The difference between a cell and tissue can be described as follows:

1. A cell is a biological material whereas tissue is a group of biological materials.
2. The most important function of a cell is to produce energy via oxidative phosphorylation but tissues have different functions. For example, connective tissues are found in skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments etc. All these tissues perform specific functions in the body. 
3. The structure of a cell is very simple when compared to tissues. 
4. Cell is mainly made up of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) which maintains information, reproduce and repair the cell like any other biological material whereas tissues have different parts in them. 
5. Cells are called as living tissues while tissues are living organisms. 
6. All the cells within a tissue are the clone of one another while they are not in a cell. 
7. Only cells can be classified into different types such as skin cells, blood cells, muscle cells whereas tissues cannot be classified according to its origin. 
8. Cells contain organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus etc. which can be found in a tissue. 
9. Tissues are located in different areas of the body such as skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues etc. which cannot be found in a cell.

Conclusion

Cell and Tissue have many differences and similarities between them. Although they can be considered as two different types of biological material they are still intertwined with each other so that when one part of the body suffers from diseases or injuries, the other parts will perform their functions to maintain homeostasis in the body so that it survives for a longer period.