Specialized Animal Cells

A type of cell responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. They are small, disc-shaped cells with a flexible membrane and no nucleus, allowing them to squeeze through narrow spaces.

A cell that stores fat (energy) and provides insulation and cushioning for the body. They are round, cloudy cells due to the oil they contain, with their nucleus pushed to the edge by a large vacuole.

A cell that transmits information throughout the body using electrical signals. They have a large, star-shaped cell body with dendrites (finger-like extensions) that receive signals and an axon (a long, thick extension) that transmits signals.

A cell that forms bone, which provides support and structure to the body. They grow in multi-layered columns with a central hollow tube containing a blood vessel.

A cell that helps with movement by contracting its fibers. These fibers are arranged in organized rows and are visible under a microscope.

A cell that produces mucus to lubricate and protect the lining of the digestive tract. They are long, tube-like cells with a specialized structure that helps them suck in nutrients and digestive juices.

White blood cells are important for protecting the body from infection. They can move through the blood vessels and tissues to fight off invaders.

Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. They have a unique shape that allows them to squeeze through narrow spaces.

Skin cells are the outermost layer of our bodies. They protect us from the environment, help regulate temperature, and can sense touch.

Muscle cells are responsible for movement. They contract and relax to allow us to walk, run, and do many other things.

Nerve cells, also called neurons, are responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. They have a specialized structure that allows them to send electrical signals.

Fat cells, also known as adipocytes, store energy in the form of fat. They also provide insulation and cushioning for the body.

Sperm cells are male reproductive cells. They carry genetic information from the father to the offspring.

Goblet cells are found in the lining of the digestive tract. They produce mucus to lubricate and protect the lining.

A specialized plant cell that is dead and forms a continuous tube for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

The outer layer of cells in a plant that provide a protective barrier, preventing water loss and guarding against herbivores.

Plant cells that contain many chloroplasts, making them responsible for photosynthesis. They are key to the green color of plants.

A large, fluid-filled organelle found in fat cells, which stores fat (energy) for the cell.

A cell organelle responsible for generating energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. They are abundant in sperm cells due to their high energy requirement for movement.

A cell organelle responsible for breaking down waste materials and harmful bacteria. They are abundant in white blood cells, which fight infections.

Small, protein-producing organelles essential for muscle contractions, as they create proteins necessary for muscle movement.

Energy-producing organelles essential for muscle contraction. They provide the energy needed for muscles to work.

Plant storage cells, specifically amyloplasts, are responsible for storing and synthesizing starch from glucose. They are essentially the plant's pantry.

Sperm cells are male reproductive cells, carrying genetic information from the father to the offspring. They are essential for fertilization.

Specialized cells in plants that control the opening and closing of stomata, allowing for gas exchange. They are paired, bean-shaped cells that swell and shrink to regulate airflow.

Loosely packed cells in the leaf that allow for gas exchange and create a large internal surface area for photosynthesis.

Outer layer of cells on the leaf that protects it and can form hairs to deter herbivores.

Cells that transport water and dissolved minerals upwards through the plant. They have thick walls and hollow insides, forming a continuous water-conducting system.

Cells that store starch as food reserves in plants. They have a large, central vacuole and contain starch granules.

Openings on the leaf's surface that allow for gas exchange (CO2 in and O2 out). They are surrounded by guard cells.

The process of opening and closing stomata, which is controlled by guard cells, to regulate gas exchange and water loss.

Layer of cells located under the epidermis of a leaf that contains chloroplasts and is responsible for photosynthesis.

This type of plant cell helps regulate gas exchange through the stomata in leaves, letting in CO2 for photosynthesis and releasing O2.

These leaf cells are loosely arranged with large air spaces between them, facilitating gas exchange and water diffusion.

They form the vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars produced in photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant.

These cells form the protective outer layer of the skin, acting as a barrier against pathogens and the environment.