Specialized Cells

D. Crowley, 2007

Specialized cellsAnimal and plant cells are adapted for different functions

The way the cell is formed depends on the job it must perform

ReviewWhat parts of a cell are found within animal cells and plant cells?

Animal cells: -NucleusCell membraneCytoplasm

Plant cells: -All of the above +Cell wallLarge VacuoleChloroplasts

Specialization

Many organisms are multi-cellular - they are made up of lots of cells, not just one!

Many of these cells are specialized, sharing the life processes (they work together as a team, supporting the organism)

Specialized cells occur in both animals and plants…

Animal CellsThe table below shows some specialized animal cells

Animal Cell Cell Diagram Function Specialisation

Red blood cells

To carry oxygen Large surface area for oxygen

Hemoglobin which binds the oxygen

Smooth, round to allow for travel through small vessels

Nerve cell To carry nerve impulses to different parts of the body

Long

Connections at each end

Can carry electrical signals

Skin cells To serve as a barrier between your body and outside elements

Like a brick wall…fit together edge to edge

Male reproductive cell

To reach the female cell in order to join with it

Long tail for swimming

Head which is able to penetrate the female cell

Plant CellsThe table below shows some specialized plant cells

Plant Cell Cell Diagram Function Specialisation

Root hair cell

To absorb water and minerals Large surface area

Leaf cell To absorb sunlight (needed for photosynthesis)

Large surface area

Many chloroplasts (containing chlorophyll, needed for photosynthesis) located along edges of cell

Tissue Specialization

Tissue is a group of cells that works together to perform a specific function

Organ Specialization

Organs are composed of two or more types of tissue combined to perform a single task

Organs often contain several types of tissue

Ex: Heart is composed of muscle,connective,epithelium, and nervous tissue.