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Cell Specialization
Cell structure and function
Cell Specialization
• Specific cells are uniquely suited to carry
out specific functions, some specific types
of cells are listed below:
Neurons
• These are cells
that are part of
the nervous
system, they
are message
carrying cells
• They are
among the
longest and
thinnest cells in
the body
Macrophages
• Provide protection,
travel in the
bloodstream
• At the site of a wound or
infection, macrophages
appear in great numbers
and begin to disarm the
bacteria and other
invading organisms.
Red Blood Cells
• A single drop of blood contains
millions or red blood cells
constantly traveling through the
body delivering oxygen and
removing waste
• RBCs are red because they
contain a protein called
hemoglobin (bright red in color)
• Hemoglobin contains iron, an
excellent vehicle for
transporting oxygen and carbon
dioxide
• The RBCs get worn
out and eventually die
• The average life cycle
of a red blood cell is
120 days
• Your bones are always
producing new blood
cells
• If sudden blood loss occurs, the
platelets kick into action
• Platelets are irregularly – shaped
colorless bodies in blood
• Sticky surface lets them form clots
Stem Cells
• Scientists primarily work with two kinds of
stem cells from animals and humans:
– Embryonic stem cells
– Adult stem cells
Embryonic
Stem Cells
• In the 3 to 5 day old
embryo – a
blastocyst, a small
group of about 30
cells gives rise to the
hundreds of highly
specialized cells
needed to make up
an adult organism
Adult, or somatic, stem cells
• In some adult tissue,
such as bone
marrow, muscle, skin,
liver, and brain,
populations of adult
stem cells replace
cells lost through
normal wear and
tear, injury or disease
Stem cells
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Epithelial Cells form Epithelial Tissue
• Structure:
– Epithelial Cells pack tightly together and form
continuous sheets that line different parts of the body.
• Function:
– Protection, secretion, absorption, and transport
• Examples:
– Inside the mouth (cheek cells)
– Line organs like the stomach
– Surround the outside of organs
– Make the outer layer of skin
MUSCLE TISSUE
• Structure:
– Muscle cells make specialized tissue that can contract.
– Muscle tissue contains the specialized proteins actin
and myosin that slide past one another.
• Function:
– Allows for movement of limbs and contraction.
• Examples:
– Heart – Cardiac Muscle
– Body Movement—Skeletal Muscle
– Digestive Tract, Veins/Arteries, Bladder—Smooth
Muscle
NERVE TISSUE
• Structure:
– Elongated cells with many branches.
• Function:
– Has the ability to generate and conduct electrical
signals in the body.
– These signals are managed by the brain and
transmitted down the spinal cord to the body.
White Blood Cell
• Structure:
– Large, flexible cells
– Covered in proteins that recognize invaders.
• Function:
– Part of your immune system.
– Fight off bacteria and other invaders.
• Examples:
– Neutrophils – engulf bacteria
– Basophil – Release histamine to promote and
inflammatory response.
Red Blood Cell
• Structure:
– Round, disc-shaped cell
– Concave center
• Function:
– Transport oxygen
throughout the body.
Plant Leaf vs. Plant Stem
• Leaf
– Contains Guard Cells that open and close to allow
for gas exchange
– Lined with Chloroplasts
• Stem
– Contain Xylem and Phloem that carry food and
water up the stem of the plant.