Structure and function are correlated

Another theme seen in previous posts (Exploring Levels of Biological Organization) is the idea that the appropriate form of the function, which you'll recognize from everyday life, for example a screwdriver is suited to tighten or loosen screws, a hammer to pound nails. How a device works is correlated with its structure. AppJied to biology, this theme is a guide to
the anatomy ofJife at all its structural levels. An example from Figure 1.4 is seen in the leaf: Its thin, flat shape maximizes the amount of sunlight that can be captured by its chloroplasts.
Analyzing a biological structure gives us dues about what it does and how it works. Conversely, knowing the function of something provides insight into its construction. An example from the animal kingdom, the wing of a bird, provides additional instances ofthe structure-function theme (Figure 1.6), In exploring life on its different structural levels, we discover
functional beauty at every turn.

Wing bones have a honeycombed internal structure that is strong but lightweight


The flight muscles are controlled by neurons (nerve cells). which transmit signals. With long extenSions, neurons are espeCially well structured for communication within the body


The flight muscles obtain energy in a usable form from organelles called mitochondria. A mitochondrion has an inner membrane with many infoldings. Molecules embedded in the inner membrane carry out many of the steps in energy produdion, and the Illfoldings pack a large amount of this membrane into a small container.


A bird's wings have an aerodynamically efficient shape


source: Campbell and Reece book