WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Knowing the structures of something, especially in the field of engineering, is essential. But what happens if the function is kept concealed? However, there is no cause for alarm, as the way in which a structure functions, whether naturally or artificially formed, depends solely on how individual parts are shaped and the correlation between those parts. Moreover, there exists a relationship between them. This can be observed from the definition of Engineering, which is the practice of organizing the design and construction of any artifice to perform certain operations that transform the physical world around us to meet some recognized needs.

Structure and function, which are generally related, are also interdependent on each other. The structure of an entity determines the function, and if the structure is altered, the function is altered as well. Conversely, the structure is also dependent on the function.

For instance, a car is designed in such a way that each transport people and things across the land. But a ship is designed so as to adapt to water, same thing applicable for aeroplane which is adapted to air. This proves that the structures of a thing or entity is dependent on the function. Conversely, the function of a thing or entity is also dependent on the structure and they are both treated synchronously.

Furthermore, both terminologies are studied simultaneously in various field. Ocean engineers must keep in mind the intended function of a design, in order to help determine design features. For instance, a submarine navigated by a person is structured differently than a remotely operated vehicle. In addition, in the field of plant biology, to comprehend the process of photosynthesis, the chloroplast which is the major constituents must be considered. The chloroplast have structures that uses sunlight to manufacture their own food.

This structures help the chloroplast to carry out their function of photosynthesis. Also, marine chemist may seek to determine the structure of the molecule produced by algae in order to determine how it could be used as medicine to treat diseases. The quotation given by William Gibson, "when you want to know how things really work, study them when they are coming apart" justifies the fact that an explicit study cannot be carried out without involving both terms irrespective of the Field of study.¹

In addition, structure and function are the fundamental skills for learning especially in the early grades. For example, students can scrutinize the fact that cars are designed with four tyres for the purpose of stability, or that tyres are made circular for continuous motion and to reduce friction. Francis Crick was able to establish the fact that "if you want to understand function, study structure.²

Moreover, as students progress in their grades, they can understand system that are more sophisticated with various part or that are not easily observed. Student with better and more advanced sense of structure and function should be able to apply this concept to determine how unknown systems work and to design system to meet engineering criteria.

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¹ William Gibson "when you want to know how things really work, study them when they are coming apart"

² Francis Crick "What Mad Pursuit: A Personal View Scientific Discovery ".1998

BIBLIOGRAPHY

.Francis Crick "What Mad Pursuit: A Personal View Scientific Discovery ".1998.

.William Gibson "101 Engineering quote: when you want to know how things really work, study them when they are coming apart".2023.