SPECIALISED CELLS
Cells that are adapted on modified to do particular function
Animal cells
Red blood cells
Ciliated cell
Egg/ovum
Sperm
Nerve cell
Plant cells
Palisade
Root hair cell
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RED BLOOD CELL [Erythrocytes]
Location- Blood
Function- To transport oxygen in the form of oxyhaemoglobin
Structural adaptation
 Biconcave disc shaped which increases surface area to carry more
oxygen.
 Small size with elastic cell membrane which helps to squeeze in to
tiny blood capillaries and deliver oxygen to all cells
 Spongy cytoplasm has soluble protein called haemoglobin which
carry oxygen
 Absence of nucleus provides more space to carry oxygen
Ciliated cell
Cells having hair like structure on their outer surface
Location- Respiratory tract [nose, trachea, bronchus], Oviduct or fallopian
tube
Structural adaptation
 Presence of hair like structures called cilia. Cilia beats rhythmically to
sweep the mucus away from the lungs towards the throat
 Presence of goblet cells – secretes mucus which trap the dust
particles and microbes in respiratory tract
 In oviduct cilia carries the egg towards the uterus
NERVE CELL [neuron]
Location- Nerves, brain, spinal cord
Function- carry impulses in the form of electrical signals
Structural adaptation
 Long, thin fibres of cytoplasm stretching out from the cell body which
helps to carry impulses for long distance
 Shorter fibres called dendron or dendrites which pick up the
electrical signals [impulses] from nearby neurons
 Mylein sheath made up of fat and protein acts as an insulator to
prevent leakages of impulses. It helps the impulses to be faster.
 Synaptic knob transmits the impulses to other neurons or effectors
HUMAN EGG /OVUM
Location- Ovary
Function- Reproduction
Structural adaptation
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Produced in ovary by meiosis
Haploid nucleus
Cytoplasm has mitochondria to provide energy
Jelly coat around it
Larger in size [0.1mm]
Has only X chromosome
Non motile
Less in number
SPERM/SPERMATOZOA
Location- Testis
Function- Reproduction
Structural adaptation
 Sperm has 3 parts [Head, middle piece and tail]
 Haploid nucleus
 Head-Acrosome contains hydrolytic enzymes to digest follicle cells
surrounding the egg and egg membrane
 Middle piece- Contains more mitochondria to provide energy for the
movement
 Tail- helps in movement
 Smaller in size[0.05mm]
 Motile
 Has X or Y chromosome
 Many
PLANT CELL
PALISADE CELL
Location – Leaf below epidermis
Function – Photosynthesis
Structural Adaptation
 Chloroplast containing chlorophyll which traps solar energy
 Arranged end to end to keep few cell wall as possible between
chloroplast and sunlight
ROOT HAIR CELL
Location – root
Function – Absorbs water and minerals
Structural Adaptation
 Have elongation which increase surface area to absorb water and
minerals
 Large vacuole to hold more water
 Many mitochondria to provide energy
 No chloroplast