Specialized Cells

Learning Objectives • Relate the structure of the following to their functions: ciliated cells – in respiratory tract root hair cells – absorption xylem vessels – conduction and support muscle cells – contraction red blood cells – transport Define the terms Tissue, Organ, & Organ System

How do animal cells specialize? In animals, the first type of cells in the developing embryo are stem cells. These are unspecialized cells that go on to form all the different cell types in the adult. stem cell red blood cell sperm cell Teacher notes See the ‘Growth and Development’ presentation for more information about stem cells and human growth. nerve cell muscle cell

Ciliated Cell Designed to stop Lung Damage They line all the air passages in the lungs. They have tiny hairs called cilia. Hairs sweep mucus with trapped dust and bacteria back up the throat. Nucleus cilia

Nerve Cell (neurone) They are long They have connections at each end Nucleus They are long They have connections at each end Can carry electrical signals Their job is to carry nerve impulses to different parts of the body.

Red Blood Cell Designed to carry oxygen Found in blood. Large surface area, for oxygen to pass through. Contains haemoglobin, which joins with oxygen. Has no nucleus

Questions Why are nerve cells so long? Where are egg cells found? What is palisade cell specialised to do? Why does a root hair cell have a thin wall? The hairs in a ciliated cell are known as? What is a sperm cell designed to do? How are red blood cells different from other cells?

How are animal cells adapted? Teacher notes This click and reveal activity could be used to check students’ understanding of animal cell structures and function.

Animal cells: fit for a purpose Teacher notes This matching activity could be used as a plenary or revision exercise on animal cells. Students could be asked to complete the questions in their books and the activity could be concluded by the completion on the IWB.

Palisade Cell Designed for Photosynthesis Found in the top of a leaf Tall and has a large surface area to absorb water and minerals. Packed with chloroplasts to help make plant food. Nucleus Chloroplasts

Root Hair Cell Thin cell wall makes it easy for minerals to pass through. Designed for absorbing. Vacuole thin cell wall Has a large surface which helps it to absorb water and minerals. Cell membrane Found in a plant root.

How do plant cells specialize? Unlike animals, many plant cells retain the ability to differentiate and specialize throughout their life. These cells are found in tissues called meristems. meristem cell root cell leaf cell Teacher notes See the ‘Growth and Development’ presentation for more information about meristems and plant growth. sieve cell

How are plant cells adapted? Teacher notes This click and reveal activity could be used to check students’ understanding of plant cell structures and function.

Plant cells: fit for a purpose Teacher notes This matching activity could be used as a plenary or revision exercise on plant cells. Students could be asked to complete the questions in their books and the activity could be concluded by the completion on the IWB.