Investigating Cell Specialization Investigation 2.3

Unicellular (Single-celled) Organisms With unicellular like our Euglena and Paramecium, we looked at how the one cell has specialized organelles to allow the cell to be able to achieve the 6 life processes. For example, the Paramecium has an oral groove to get food and a contractile vacuole to get rid of extra water (waste).

Multicellular Organisms Since multicellular organisms like mammals and plants have so many cells, we are able to have special cells in order to perform special functions. This is known as cell specialization. Often times the structures (or shape) of a cell can hint as to the function of the cell. Let’s take a look at the cells you were able to sketch.

Mammal Epithelial (Skin) Cells 400X Kind of shield-like, right? Skin a shield-like shape to help protect our insides and keep our insides inside.

Buttercup Mature Root Cells 400X

Corn Leaf Cells 400X

Mammal Blood Cells 400X

Mammal Adipose (Fat) Cells 400X

Mammal Compact Bone Cells 400X

Mammal Neuron Motor Nerve Cells 400X

Mammal Skeletal Muscle Cells 400X