Cell Specialization (10 Science) PDF

10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ Introducing Cell Specialization Some organisms can survive as a...

10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ Introducing Cell Specialization Some organisms can survive as a single cell. They are called unicellular. In larger organisms, called multicellular organisms, cells need to take on a specific function in order to work properly. How are specialized cells different from unicellular organisms? They only become specialized when they activate a certain genetic trait/strand of DNA. In comparison, unicellular organisms are not part of a collective (unlike specialized multicellular organisms), tend to be smaller, and overall are more independent than multicellular organisms. Why do certain specialized cells look different from each other? Because they serve a different purpose Complete the following table showing examples of specialized cells in animal systems: Image of Cell Name of Cell Role of Cell How Form Relates To Function Red Blood Cell Carries oxygen in blood Smooth & small to easily (Erythrocytes) throughout the body pass through blood vessels Biconcave to carry oxygen more easily (this shape maximizes the surface area of the cell membrane for oxygen to diffuse across) 10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ White Blood Protection/defenders Continuously flow Cell against diseases, illness, throughout blood stream (Leukocytes) and other harmful bacteria to attack whatever threat they can find. Are very large and can engulf viruses/bacteria Can have a genetic trait leading to leukemia due to white blood cell sensitivity. Nerve Cell To carry electrical impulses throughout the Long and thin body for coordination Surrounded by between the brain and insulation/myelin sheath other components 10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ Skin Cell (Epidermal) Forms a protective barrier/enclosure Flat and tightly packed to around the body create a continuous, protective layer. prevents pathogen entry and minimizes water loss. Ciliated cells Moves mucus and (looks like hair) particles out of the Has hair-like structures respiratory tract (cilia) that beat rhythmically move mucus, dust, and pathogens out of airways, aiding in respiratory health. Goblet cells (big round Secretes mucus in the Large, rounded cell filled cells) Respiratory tract/system with mucus-producing vesicles. Structure helps in holding and releasing mucus to trap particles and protect issue. 10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ Muscle cells Smooth and arranged in (striated For movement and bundles called muscle muscle) contraction. fibers Can easily contract, explain, and overall can be very rubbery Sperm cells To fertilize an egg Has a flagellum (tail) for mobility and a streamlined shape to swim towards the egg. The head contains enzymes to penetrate the egg membrane for fertilization. Egg cells To be fertilized for the growth of a new human Very large, round, but also very smooth Only allow one sperm inside to fertilize the egg 10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ Carry 50% of genes for a baby Fat cells Stores energy as fat Large and round with a central fat droplet. This structure allows efficient storage of lipids, providing insulation and energy reserves for the body. Explain why there is a maximum size for cells to be able to function effectively. Due to the requirements of diffusion, the accountability in the surface area:volume ratio and the variation of roles, a huge cell would not function efficiently/live for very long, as such smaller cells are more effective generally. Very active cells, such as muscle cells, tend to be smaller than fat storage cells. Explain why this is true. 10 Science Name: ________________________ Date: __________________________ The smaller a cell, the larger its surface area—volume ratio and the more efficiently it can allow diffusion to occur via its body. Muscle cells must be consistently active and need to be smaller in size to fulfill their role. Fat cells' singular purpose is to store excess body nutrients as fats; they do not actively participate in bodily functions and, therefore, can afford to be slightly larger in size.