Download Observing Specialized Cells

Observing Specialized Cells
Introduction
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things. All of the processes necessary for life
occur in cells. In single-celled organisms, such as amoebas, all of the functions required by the organism take
place within one cell. Multicellular organisms, such as humans and plants, are made up of many cells with
different structures and functions. The shape and size of a cell, as well as the structures found inside it, are
determined by the functions of the cell. In this investigation, you will observe several different types of cells.
You will compare and contrast the structures you see in the cells, and relate the structures to the functions the
different cells perform.
Pre-Lab Discussion
1. What types of cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and a nucleus?
2. In what types of cells would you expect to see a cell wall?
3. Some functions are exclusive to plants, while others are performed only by animals. Which specialized
cells or tissues would you expect to find only in plants? Only in animals?
Analysis and Conclusions
4. Do all the cells share any common structures? Explain.
5. Compare the shapes of the different cells. Describe any similarities of differences.
6. What factors might affect the size and shape of a cell?
7. For each type of tissue that you observed, describe one feature that is not found in any of the others.
8. How is each tissue you observed adapted to perform its special function?
9. Why do the cells that make up the different tissues have different shapes and sizes?
Type of cell/tissue: _________________________
Type of cell/tissue: __________________________
Type of cell/tissue: _________________________
Type of cell/tissue: __________________________
Type of cell/tissue: _________________________
Type of cell/tissue: __________________________