Animal Cell
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Plant Cell
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Chloroplasts
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Cell membrane
Vacuole
Cell wall
Mitochondria
Cell membrane
Ribosomes
Root Hair Cell
Palisade Cell
Function
Function
To absorb water and minerals from the soil.
To carry out photosynthesis to make glucose for the plant.
Adaptations
Adaptations
Long root hair to give it a large surface area for absorption
of water and minerals into the cell.
Lots of chloroplasts to absorb light energy for
photosynthesis.
No chloroplasts due to being underground.
Tall, thin shape to give it a large surface area to maximise
the absorption of light.
Sperm Cell
Egg Cell
Function
Function
To fertilise an egg cell.
To be fertilised by a sperm cell.
Adaptations
Adaptations
Long tail to help it swim to the egg.
Cytoplasm contains nutrients for the developing embryo.
Lots of mitochondria to release energy to allow the sperm
to move.
Membrane changes after fertilisation to stop any more
sperm getting in.
Muscle Cell
Nerve Cell
Function
Function
To help the body to move.
To carry nerve impulses around the body.
Adaptations
Adaptations
Bands of protein that change shape to contract and relax
the muscle.
Long fibres allow it to carry electrical impulses up and
down the body.
Lots of mitochondria to release energy for muscle
contraction.
Branching dendrites at each end to connect to other
nerves or muscles.
Ciliated Epithelial Cell
Red Blood Cell
Function
Function
To move dust and microorganisms away from the lungs.
To transport oxygen around the body.
Adaptations
Adaptations
Tiny hairs called cilia to help to waft the mucus along the
airways.
No nucleus so there is more room for haemoglobin, which
binds to oxygen molecules.
Lots of mitochondria to release energy for cilia to move.
Biconcave shape to give a large surface area for diffusion
of oxygen.
White Blood Cell
Function
To fight pathogens that cause disease.
Adaptations
Produce antibodies to kill pathogens and antitoxins to
neutralise toxins.
Can change shape to squeeze out of blood vessels and
engulf pathogens.