Welcome to GattPrep!
Hey again, future scientist! 👋🏽
In the last lesson, we explored the basic structures of plant and animal cells. But here’s a cool fact: not all cells look the same—even within your own body! That’s because many cells are specialized to do specific jobs.
In this lesson, you’ll learn about specialized cells, what makes them unique, and how their structures match their functions. You’ll explore red blood cells, nerve cells, root hair cells, and more—all super important in both plants and animals.
A specialized cell is a cell that has a specific shape and structure designed to carry out a particular function.
🧠 Think of it like a sports team—each player (cell) has a different role: a goalkeeper, striker, or defender. Together, they keep the team (body) working well!
| Cell Type | Structure | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Red Blood Cell | No nucleus, biconcave shape, full of haemoglobin | Carries oxygen through the blood |
| Nerve Cell (Neuron) | Long body with branches | Sends electrical signals in the body |
| Sperm Cell | Long tail, streamlined head | Swims to fertilize the egg |
| White Blood Cell | Irregular shape, large nucleus | Defends the body against disease |
| Muscle Cell | Long and stretchy | Contracts to allow movement |
| Cell Type | Structure | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Root Hair Cell | Long extension (“hair”) | Absorbs water and minerals from soil |
| Palisade Cell | Packed with chloroplasts | Carries out photosynthesis in leaves |
| Guard Cell | Bean-shaped, paired around stomata | Controls opening and closing of stomata |
| Xylem Cell | Hollow tube, thick wall | Transports water from roots to leaves |
| Phloem Cell | Tubes with sieve plates | Transports food (sugar) throughout the plant |
Specialization allows cells to:
Work more efficiently.
Save energy by focusing on one job.
Combine with other cells to form tissues, organs, and systems.
🌀 Without specialized cells, complex life wouldn’t be possible!
🧠 Problem:
A student observes a cell that is long and has branches extending from it. It sends signals to muscles. What type of cell is this and what is its function?
✅ Step-by-Step Solution:
The long shape and branches suggest a nerve cell.
Nerve cells carry electrical messages throughout the body.
✔️ Answer: It is a nerve cell, and it helps in communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
(a) The ______ cell carries oxygen in the blood.
(b) ______ cells absorb water from the soil.
(c) Guard cells are found in the ______ of plants.
Answers:
(a) red blood
(b) root hair
(c) leaves
| Cell | Function |
|---|---|
| (i) White Blood Cell | A. Photosynthesis |
| (ii) Palisade Cell | B. Defending against infections |
| (iii) Xylem Cell | C. Transporting water |
Answers:
(i) → B, (ii) → A, (iii) → C
Q: Why does a red blood cell have no nucleus?
Sample Answer:
To create more space for haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Here’s what we’ve learned today:
Specialized cells have unique structures that help them do specific jobs.
Examples include red blood cells, sperm cells, nerve cells, root hair cells, and xylem vessels.
Structure always matches function—form follows role!
Specialized cells group together to form tissues and organs.
Pick one part of your body (e.g. eyes, muscles, or skin).
Now think: what types of specialized cells might be working there?
Draw or describe one and explain how its structure helps it do its job!
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