Specialized Cells

Last updated almost 4 years ago

4 questions

Specialized Cells

Last updated almost 4 years ago

4 questions

All of the cells below are in the human body. Cells in our body are shaped a certain way in order to carry out specific jobs. When the shape of cells are specific to the job they perform, we say the structure is related to the function. Read the descriptions of the four cells below and explain how their structure helps them carry out specialized jobs.

Look at the picture of the red blood cells. Explain why you think red blood cells are round. What do you think would happen if they weren't round or if they changed shape?

Look at the picture of the neuron. While some neurons are short, some are long. They can be up to 1 meter long! Based on what you know about nerve cells, why do you think they need to be so long?

Cells on the surface of our intestines are covered in villi, like the columnar epithelial cells. The villi are like small projects that increase the cell's surface area. Why is this important for intestinal cells?

Look at the skin cells. Notice they are very thin and stacked in many layers. The skin is the human's outer most protection from the environment. Why do you think it is important for the skin to have several layers, and not just one?