大象传媒

Specialised cells

Many cells in multicellular organisms are specialised. They have specific roles in the organism of which they are part. Their structure is adapted to their function. They are often grouped together with other similar cells in tissues.

Animal cells

Ciliated cell: push and move mucus, thin layer of tiny moving hairs called cilia.  Red blood cells: transport oxygen from lungs to body tissues for aerobic respiration, contains haemoglobin, flexible.

Plant cells

Type of cellFunctionHow it is adapted to its function
Root hair cellThey absorb water and minerals.A long thin 'hair' extends from each cell into the soil increasing the root's surface area. Each root has many thousands of root hairs, which can make the root look furry.
Xylem cellThey transport water and minerals up the stem to leaves and flowers.Dead cells are joined end to end to form a continuous tube. They have no cytoplasm. Their walls contain lignin for strengthening.
Phloem cellThey transport sugars, amino acids, other substances both up and down the stem to leaves, flowers and roots.Made of tube-like living cells joined end to end. They do have cytoplasm. This means that the cells are living.
Type of cellRoot hair cell
FunctionThey absorb water and minerals.
How it is adapted to its functionA long thin 'hair' extends from each cell into the soil increasing the root's surface area. Each root has many thousands of root hairs, which can make the root look furry.
Type of cellXylem cell
FunctionThey transport water and minerals up the stem to leaves and flowers.
How it is adapted to its functionDead cells are joined end to end to form a continuous tube. They have no cytoplasm. Their walls contain lignin for strengthening.
Type of cellPhloem cell
FunctionThey transport sugars, amino acids, other substances both up and down the stem to leaves, flowers and roots.
How it is adapted to its functionMade of tube-like living cells joined end to end. They do have cytoplasm. This means that the cells are living.

Discover more about specialised animal and plant cells with Dr Alex Lathbridge

Dr Alex Lathbridge breaks down the key facts about specialised animal and plant cells.