Lab: Observing Differences and Similarities in Cell Structures
Name _____________________________ Date __________ Period __________ Score _________
The Cell, the structural and functional unit of all living things, is very complex. Differences in size, shape
and internal makeup of the cells of the human body reflect their specific roles in the body. Nonetheless,
cells do have many common features and functions. For example, all cells maintain their boundaries,
metabolize, digest nutrients and dispose of wastes, grow and reproduce, move and respond to a
stimulus.
Objective: To view and identify structural similarities and differences of different types of cells.
To compare and contrast specialized cells to generalized cells
Part 1: Identify structure and function of the cell’s organelles.
Structure
a.
Function
b.
c.
d.
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Lab: Observing Differences and Similarities in Cell Structures
Name _____________________________ Date __________ Period __________ Score _________
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
Part 2: Observation of different types of cells
1. Go to station 1 of the demonstration area, and examine the slides of simple squamous epithelium,
sperm, teased smooth muscle cells and human blood.
2. Observe each slide under the microscope carefully, noting similarities and differences in the 4 types
of cells. Notice the cell shape and position of the nucleus in each case. When you look at the human
blood smear, direct you attention to the red blood cells, the pink-stained cells that are most
numerous. Sketch you observation in the circles provided. Color and Label key parts that you see
3.
Simple Squamous epithelium
Sperm cell
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Lab: Observing Differences and Similarities in Cell Structures
Name _____________________________ Date __________ Period __________ Score _________
Human red blood cells
Teased smooth muscle cells
4. How do these four cells types differ in shape?
5. How might cell shape affect cell function?
6.
For each of the following cell types list one important structural characteristics observed in the lab
and what function that the structure complements or ensures.
a. Squamous epithelium
b. Sperm
c. Smooth muscle
d. Red blood cell
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Lab: Observing Differences and Similarities in Cell Structures
Name _____________________________ Date __________ Period __________ Score _________
7. Which cells have visible projections?
8. How do these projections relate to the function of these cells?
9. Do any of these cells lack a plasma membrane? If so, Which?
10. What is the significance of the red blood cell being anucleate (without a nucleus)? Did it ever have a
nucleus? When? (3 questions)
11. Were you able to observe any of the organelles in these cells? Why or why not?
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