Specialised Cells
Science: KS3, topic 1.1.16
Specialised Cells
Some cells look different from the ‘normal’ animal and plant cells. They are called specialised cells. Specialised cells have been adapted to perform a specific role.
Red blood cells
- Red blood cells are adapted to carry oxygen around the body.
- Red blood cells contain haemoglobin.
- Haemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen.
- They have no nucleus.
- They have a large surface area in a biconcave (curved inward) disc shape.
Neurons / nerve cells
- Neurons send and receive messages in the nervous system.
- They are long and thin.
- Neurons can transport messages over large distances around the body.
- They can be 2m long.
- They have lots of branches and so can connect with other neurons.
Ciliated cells
- Ciliated cells have little tiny hairs on their surface called cilia.
- Cilia are long and thin hairs that line the airways.
- They move in a sweeping motion to trap microbes from the air in mucus. Mucus is a secreted substance.
- When the microbes are trapped in mucus, the cilia move them up to the mouth so they can be swallowed.
Smoker's cough
- Smokers can develop a smoker's cough.
- This is when the cilia are destroyed, so the mucus can not be swept up to the mouth.
- This causes a constant cough to try to remove the mucus.
Root hair cells
- Root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions.
- They have a large surface area.
- The cell wall is thin to make absorption easier.
Palisade cells
- Palisade cells absorb light for plants to photosynthesise.
- They are found on the upper surface of leaves.
- They contain lots of chloroplasts which are close to the edge of the cell.
Test yourself on Specialised Cells
What are red blood cells adapted to carry around the body?
What is the name for the tiny hairs which line our airways?
Why can neurons send messages over large distances around the body?
Why does a root hair cell have a thin cell wall?