Which term best describes a collection of similar cells performing a common function?

• A. Cell
• B. Organ
• C. Tissue
• D. Organ System

Answer: (C)

In biology, tissues form when similar cells come together to carry out a shared function. A tissue is a collection of like cells coordinated to perform a specific job, such as muscle tissue contracting to enable movement or epithelial tissue lining surfaces to protect and control what passes through. This is different from a single cell, which is just one unit; an organ, which is a structure made of different tissues working together (like the heart); and an organ system, which is a group of organs that collaborate to perform broader biological tasks (like the circulatory system). So, a collection of similar cells performing a common function is tissue.