5 - What Do Specialized Cells Do

What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Get Started

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What structures do all cells have? Which type of structure would a cell have more of if it were specialized for movement?

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Introduction

Read the introduction. 

Examine the photos of the specialized cells at the bottom of the page. Discuss your observations with your partner.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Challenge

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What are the specialized structures and functions of cells?

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Procedure

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Follow the directions on Student Sheet 5.1, “Specialized Cells,” to complete the simulation.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Neuron (Nerve Cell) 

Sends and receives signals

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Pancreatic Cells 

Produces and releases insulin to control blood sugar.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Muscle Cell  

Causes contractions for movement Contains lots of mitochondria

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Intestinal Cell 

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Absorbs nutrients from food as it passes through the small intestine. Villi – increase surface area so it can absorb food more efficiently.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Macrophage (white blood cell) 

Digests microbes as part of the immune system

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Sperm  

Swim to the egg Mitochondria power the flagellum.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Analysis 1 

Pick two of the specialized cells that you observed in the computer simulation. For each cell: ◦ Pick one specialized organelle or structure and explain its function. ◦ Explain what would happen to the cell if the specialized organelle or structure were damaged or missing. ◦ Explain what would happen to the organism if the specialized organelle or structure were damaged or missing.

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Revisit the Challenge

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What are the specialized structures and functions of cells?

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?

Key Vocabulary

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cell microbe organelle

Activity 5: What Do Specialized Cells Do?