Specalized cells and the hierarchy of cells

Why do cells specialize?

As organisms get larger and more complex, they need specalized tooks (cells) to perform certain life functions.

Cell differentiation

1. The stage of developement during which specialized cells are formed
2. The cell becomes altered to suit its specific funstion from a stem cell

Specialized cells

1. Cells specialize bu producing different protiens
2. Even thougj all cells have the same genes in ther DNA, not all genes are "turned on"

Red blood cells characteristics

1. Disk-shipped, flattened and smooth
2. Flexible
3. Don't contain nuvlei

Red blood cells functions

To move easily through small blood vessels

Skin cells characteristics

1. Very thin and flat and overlapping
2. Contain a lot of keratin (a protein)

Skin cell functions

1. So gases can pass through
2. Strong and overlapping for protection

Sperm cells characteristics

1. Have a long tail
2. Pointed end

Sperm cell functions

1. Swim up the fallopian tubes to meet an egg cell
2. To push into an eggs through its membrane

Nerve cells characteristics

1. Very long
2. Have braches to connect to other nerve cells

Nerve cell functions

To conduct and pass messages to other cells quickly

Muscle cell characteristics

Long and narrow

Muscle cell functions

1. So cells can fit tightly together in order to contract and relax at the same time
2. Helps the movement of body parts

Fat cell characteristics

Large, round and empty looking

Fat cell functions

Stores fat when there is an excess

What is the heirarchy of cells?

Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ systems, Organism

Tissues

A group of specialized cells that share the same structure and function. Ex. Cardiac tissue

Connective tissue areas

Ligaments, blood

Connective tissue function

1. Supports and protects structures
2. Forms blood
3. Stores fat
4. Fills empty space

Nervous tissue areas

Nerves, brain and spinal cord

Nervous tissue function

1. Responds to stimuli
2. Transmits and stores information

Epithelial tissue areas

Skin, outer surfaces and body cavities

Epithelial tissue function

1. Protects structures
2. Forms glands that produce hormones, enzymes and sweat

Muscle tissue areas

Heart, arms and legs

Muscle tissue function

Allows for movement

Organ

Several types of tissue working to perform a specific function. Ex. Heart

Organ Systems

A group of tissues and organs working together to perform a specific function. Ex. Circulatory system