Specialized Cells PDF

## Specialized Cells **Specialized** means: has a specific job (function) in the body. Another word for specialized is differentiated. *Only multicellular eukaryotic organisms have specialized cells* Before cells are specialized, they are called **stem cells**. ### How cells become specialize...

## Specialized Cells **Specialized** means: has a specific job (function) in the body. Another word for specialized is differentiated. *Only multicellular eukaryotic organisms have specialized cells* Before cells are specialized, they are called **stem cells**. ### How cells become specialized 1. Stem cell receives **chemical signal** (called hormones). 2. DNA of cell uses directions in signals to turn on or off specific genes. 3. Based on activated genes, cell grows specific structures. 4. Cell is able to do its specific function (job). * Can never go back to being a stem cell *All the DNA in each of your cells is the same. Your DNA = Your genome* ### Some examples of Specialized Cells 1. **Neuron Cell** * **Function:** Sends messages around the body. * **Structures:** * Dendrites connect to other nerves "tree-like" * Axon - insulated for super fast message transmission 2. **Red Blood Cell** * **Function:** Deliver oxygen around the body. * **Structure:** very small, flexible, loses nucleus to increase surface area to carry oxygen. 3. **Sperm Cell** * **Function:** Swim to egg. * **Structure:** flagellum = tail *many mitochondria* for lots of energy. 4. **Egg Cell** * **Function:** Grow and divide to form embryo. * **Structure:** Extra large with protective outer layers. 5. **White Blood Cell** * **Function:** Fight disease. * **Structure:** * produce antibodies = recognize infections. * contain enzymes = break down invaders. 6. **Small Intestine Cell** * **Function:** Nutrient absorption. * **Structure:** Microvilli = folds that increase surface area for absorption. 7. **Pancreatic Cell (A, B, and D cells)** * **Function:** Synthesize, store and release hormones. * **Structure:** Beta islet cells have lots of ribosomes to make insulin protein. * (After a meal, the insulin hormone is received by a receptor protein on cell surface to open transport protein to let in GLUCOSE.) 8. **Bronchial Cells** * **Function:** Moisten, protects airways from pathogens to promote gas exchange. * **Structure:** Ciliated cells that produce and sweep mucous which traps irritants and pathogens. 9. **Muscle Cells** * **Function:** Movement & support. * **Structure:** Myofibrils (actin and myosin protein fibers) contract causing movement.