GCSE›Edexcel GCSE Biology›Mind mapsGrowth in OrganismsEdexcel GCSE Biology: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsAnimal growthMitosis then differentiationMainly an increase in cell numberMost cells lose ability to differentiate once maturePlant growthCell division at meristems: root and shoot tipsThen elongation: cells absorb water and expandThen differentiationMany plant cells keep differentiating for lifeGrowthin animals and plantsDifferentiationCells gain structures suited to their functionEnables division of labour in tissues and organsRed blood cells lose nucleus to hold more haemoglobinRoot hair cells have long extensions for water uptakeMonitoringPercentile charts compare mass and height with normsNorms depend on age and sexChild usually follows one lineCrossing lines may signal a health issueExam tipsAnimal growth is cell number, not cell sizePlants: division at meristem, then elongation