Specialized Cells PDF

Specialized Cells Specialized cells are cells that have a specific structure and function, adapted to perform a particular task within the body. Examples include muscle cells, nerve cells, and red blood cells.  Specialized Cells Why do we need specialized cell? Plant’s and animal’s cells a...

Specialized Cells Specialized cells are cells that have a specific structure and function, adapted to perform a particular task within the body. Examples include muscle cells, nerve cells, and red blood cells.  Specialized Cells Why do we need specialized cell? Plant’s and animal’s cells are specialized to carry their job efficiently. v Specialized cells are cells that have a particular adaptation to preform a special task. Animal Specialized Cells 1. Red Blood Cell 2. White blood Cell 3. Ciliated Epithelial Cell 4. Nerve Cell 5. Muscle Cell 6. Sperm Cell (gamete cell) 7. Ovum Cell (gamete cell) *The red colour comes from a pigment in these cells called haemoglobin Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to body cells where it is used to make energy during respiration. *Oxygen combines with haemoglobin to form oxyhaemoglobin *Note the shape of the red blood cells: they are dented on both sides *This is described as biconcave – “bi” means twice and “concave” means dented *This shape gives the cells a larger surface area so they can absorb more oxygen *Red Blood cells are also really small so they can fit into the tiny capillaries *Being small makes the surface area large compared with the volume *They have no nucleus to make more room for haemoglobin This is a very high power picture of a capillary with red blood cells inside When red blood cells are looked at under a light microscope they look as if the centre is empty because it is so thin the light comes straight through  White Blood Cell They produce antibodies to kill bacteria They engulf bacteria because the nucleus allows it to change its shape.  Ciliated Epithelial Cells O Ciliated epithelial cells are very important. They protect us by trapping any dust or bacteria in the air we breathe. Smoking stops the ciliated epithelial cells from working. If it stopped it may affect on our lungs.  Place of the Ciliated Epithelial Cells o Where is it found? It is found in the trachea, bronchi and oviducts.  Adaptation of Ciliated Epithelial Cells o What is its adaptation? O It has cilia which is produced by the cytoplasm. Cilia is a thin hair like structure.  Muscle Cells O Muscle cells are very important. They allow our bodies to move. Without it we won’t be able to move.  PlaceofMuscleCells o Where is it found? It is found in the muscular system.  Adaptation of the Muscle Cell o What is its adaptation? O It is long. It has bands of proteins. The muscle cells are arranged in fibers that helps it to run along the length of the muscle. Function of Muscle Cells o What are their functions? O They contract which helps the muscle to move. Neuron/ Nerve Cells O Nerve cells are very important. They send us the impulses to accomplish a task.  Adaptation of the Neuron o What is its adaptation? O It is long and branched.  Function of the Neuron o What is the function of it? O It carries the impulses. The way it is branched allows the impulses to be conducted and coordinated. It carries the impulses long distances without getting interrupted.  Gametes or Sex Cells O Gametes are cells that are responsible in reproduction. O There are 2 types of gametes: Gametes Ovum Sperm Cell  Sperm Cell O Sperm cell is the male reproductive cell.  Adaptation of Sperm Cell O It is long and has a neck, head and a tail. The head produces enzymes to enter to the ovum so fertilization can take place. The neck has lots of mitrochondria which provides it with the energy it needs. The tail pushes side to side to push the cell forward. Function of Sperm Cell o What does it do? O It carries the genetic information of the male parent. It combines with the egg cell to form a new embryo. Egg Cell/Ovum O It is the reproductive cell in the female.  Adaptation of Ovum o How does it look like? O It is large in size. It has lots of cytoplasm which acts as the stored food for the developing embryo.  Function of Ovum o What does it do? O It provides food for the growing embryo. It stores the genetic information of the female part.  Plant Specialized Cells 1. Root Hair Cell 2. Palisade Cell 3. Xylem Vessel /Cell  Root Hair Cell O It is very useful for the plants. It allows more water and minerals to enter the plant. *If you look under a microscope at the very tip of a root you will see small “hairs” *Their function is to absorb water and minerals from the soil  Palisade Cells O Palisade cells are very important for plant cells. They help them to make their food.  Palisade Cells oWhere is it? It is found in the leaves. It absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis Adaptation of Palisade Cells o How does it look like? O It has a large surface area. O It has lots of chloroplasts. O The cell wall and other parts of the cytoplasm are transparent to let the light pass through the leaf. O It has an oblong shape. Function of Palisade Cells o What does it do? O It absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.  Xylem Cells/ Vessels OThese cell are important as well. They help in transporting water.  Place of Xylem Cell o Where is it? It is found in the stem.  Adaptation of Xylem Cell o How does it look like? O It is long , thin hollow tube for uninterrupted flow of water. O The vessels are formed of column of cells with no end walls, nucleus and cytoplasm.  Function of Xylem Cells o What does it do? O It helps to transport water and also provide support. How do specialised cells differ from generalised cells? Generalised cells, such as skin cells, have a simple structure and can perform basic functions. Specialised cells, on the other hand, have a more complex structure and are adapted to perform specific functions within the body. Can the structure and function of specialised cells change over time? Yes, the structure and function of specialised cells can change over time, due to ageing or disease. For example, muscle cells may shrink and become less efficient with age, and nerve cells may be damaged by diseases such as Alzheimer’s.