Cell Specialization Mr. Pontifis NGC 2014-2015

Plant Cells

Palisade Mesophyll Cell Structure: contain many chloroplasts; organized shaped (rectangle) Function: located at the top layer of leaf for photosynthesis

Guard Cell Structure: long elongated shaped cell, together they look like a set of lips Function: regulate how open or closed stomata are by changing shape; also control gas exchange during photosynthesis.

Parenchyma Cells ( stems) Structure: large round cells containing large vacuoles Function: Synthesize organize products in plants for metabolism and photosynthesis

Sieve Tube Elements (stem, root, leaves) Structure: hallow cylindrical cells, arranged parallel to each other Function: active food source for plants

Companion Cell (root/stem) Structure: spindle shaped, attached to sieve tube element; large nucleus Function: control the sieve tube element

Collenchyma (stem) Structure: think cellulose cell walls and chloroplasts Function: have a support function in plants esp. in young plants by supporting and strengthening

Sclerenchyma (stem) Structure: spherical and have large vacuoles. Function: support function in plants, more rigid than collenchyma. Most abundant cell in plants

Meristem (root/stem) Structure: locating at the tip of the roots of plants; capable of elongation as the plant grows Function: stem cells found in plants, continuously produce new cells

Animal Cells

Red Blood Cell Structure: Disk-shaped, flat, and flexible cells lacking a nucleus. Function: Carry oxygen from lungs to cells throughout the body. Cells contain large amount of hemoglobin which binds to oxygen so it can be carried.

White Blood Cell Structure: contain nucleus and organelles larger than RBCs, spherical, irregular shape. Function: They produce antibodies and kill foreign or virally altered cells.

Skeletal Muscle Cell Structure: bundle of muscle fibers attached to bone. Contain a lot of calcium Function: movement of skeleton and organs such as tongue and eyeballs.

Cardiac Muscle Cell Structure: single nucleus and many mitochondria; cells are branched and connected like a net Function: pacemaker of the heart.

Smooth Muscle Cell Structure: spindle shaped cell with a central nucleus arranged in strands and layers. Function: involuntary muscle movement

Epithelial Structure: come in multiple shapes and lay together like sheets Function: boundary/protection, sensory, transportation, secretion, and movement

Neuron Structure: Very long and thin Function: sends information from one part of the body to another

Osteocyte Structure: star shaped cell containing a nucleus Function: bone forming cell

Sex Cells Sperm Structure: snake like structure consisting of a head (nucleus), mid-piece (mitochondria), and flagellum(tail). At the tip of the head there are specialized lysosome containing enzyme to break down the outer layer of the ovum. Function: nucleus contains the father’s DNA material Ovum: Structure: round shaped cell with a nucleus Function: stores genetic material for the female

Rod/Cone Cell Structure: located in the eyes, one is cylindrical and other is cone shaped. The outer segment consist of stacks of numerous light sensitive folds of membrane. Function: light receptors in the eyes

Phagocyte Structure: a specific type of white blood cell, has similar structure Function: Rid the body of bacteria and other pathogens via an ingestion process called phagocytosis

Adipocyte Structure: tiny bag shaped filled with fat; small nucleus. Function: insulate, provide cushion, and provide energy