Cell SpecializationEach cell is genetically customized to

do its unique job in the body.

Tissues Are Made of Specialized Tissues Are Made of Specialized CellsCells

Comparing Different Types of Cells in Tissue

What do you notice about the shape of the individual cells in these tissues?

Nerve CellsNerve cells have long, invisibly thin fibers that carry electrical impulses

throughout the body.Dendrites receive information from another cell and

transmit the message to the cell body. The cell body

contains the nucleus,

mitochondria and other organelles

typical of eukaryotic cells.

The axon conducts messages away

from the cell body.

Epithelial Cells Covers body surfaces and lines body

cavities. Functions include lining, protecting, and forming glands.

• Some epithelial cells have the appearance of thin, flat plates that aid in protection

• Ciliated epithelium is usually found in the air passages like the nose. Movement of the cilia can cause materials like mucus to move

Blood Cells• Red blood cells are shaped like lozenges so they

can float easily through the bloodstream. They contain hemoglobin that attracts oxygen.

• White blood cells can attack, swallow, and digest an invader.

Muscle Cells• Muscle tissues contain specialized cells that can contract. • Specialized muscle cells are jam-packed with mitochondria to produce the

extraordinary amount of ATP energy required for muscles like the heart to constantly pump.

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Bone Cell ©Gopal Murti/Phototake, Epithelial Cell ©ISM/ Phototake, Neuron ©Dr. David Scott/Phototake, Liver Cells ©Carolina Biological Supply Company/Phototake, Paramecium and Muscle Cells ©Dennis Kunkel/Phototake.

Each of these cells have different shapes or structures and because of that, different functions

Can you infer the function of any of these cell?

Match each of these cells and their structure to a function:

A B C

• This cell can send out messages through extensions to other cells

• This cell can swim easily with the help of tiny hair-like structures

• This cell can group with similar cells to form a thin, flat barrier

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Plant Cells Specialize Plant Cells Specialize too…too…

Onion Epidermal Cells

Root Hair Cell

root hair

Guard Cells

Can you infer the specialized functions of these cells?