Specialized Cells - December 5, 2024

Goblet Cells and Cilia

• Secrete mucus and prevent dirt, dust and smoke from entering the lungs.

• Cilia are responsible for moving mucus along the trachea to trap foreign particles

Red Blood Cells

• Transports oxygen throughout the body (oxygen binds to hemoglobin)

Muscles Cells

• Made up of muscle fibers.

• Muscle cells contract causing bones to move (fibers become shortened)

Fat Cells

• Made up of a large vacuole (storage compartment)

• Stores excess fat → chemical energy

Skin Cells

• A layer of tightly fitted cells that cover the outer body.

• Skin cells protect inner cells from the harsh external environment and dehydration.

White Blood Cells

• The “soldiers” inside your blood.

• They engulf bacteria and fight infections

Nerve Cells

• Thin and long, with many branching networks.

• Conducts electrical signals throughout he body to coordinate the body’s activity

Bone Cells

• Collect calcium from the food that you eat to assist the body in growth and the repair of bones.

• Makes up the body’s skeleton!

Sperm Cells

• Contains the genetic information of the male organism.

Photophores

• Cells that have the ability to release light.

• Important for vision, protection and for attracting mates.

Xylem

• Important for the movement of water and dissolved minerals throughout the body of the plant.

Phloem Cells

• Important for the movement of dissolved sugars throughout the plant (food source)

Storage Cells

• Important compartments that store excess energy in the form of starch.

Epidermal Cells

• They exist on the root hairs of plants and are important for the absorption of water.

Photosynthetic Cells

• Contain chloroplasts that are useful for collecting energy from the sun and converting it into a food source for the plant (photosynthesis)

Guard Cells

• Important for controlling and regulating water within the plant cells.