Animal cells:
Sperm cell;
Has acrosome containing lytic enzymes; that digest the egg membranes for penetration during fertilization;
Has a long tail; containing numerous mitochondria; to generate maximum energy for propulsion/swimming in the vaginal fluid after ejaculation;
Red blood cells;
Are flattened, circular/spherical biconcave in shape; to increase the surface area for packaging of haemoglobin;
Has haemoglobin; that combines with respiratory gases; for transport to and from body tissues;
White blood cells;
Are amoeboid in shape hence able to change shape; to engulf pathogens through phagocytosis;
Lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight pathogens;
Nerve cell;
Has extensions/dentrites; to receive and send information for sensation;
Ciliated epithelial cells;
Have cilia for propulsion of mucus that traps dust and micro-organisms in the respiratory tract;
Muscle cells;
Elongated, striated and contractile; to bring about movement;
Plant cells:
Guard cells;
Bean-shaped; to regulate the size of the stomata allowing gaseous exchange; and control water loss;
Has chloroplasts with chlorophyll; for photosynthesis;
Root hair cell;
Elongated; thin-walled; with dense cytoplasm for absorption of water and mineral salts;
Epidermal cell;
thin; for protection of inner tissues from mechanical and micro-organism attack;
Palisade cell;
Contains numerous chloroplasts with chlorophyll; for photosynthesis; elongated; to
increase surface area for trapping maximum amounts of light energy;
Meristematic cell;
thinwalled; with dense cytoplasm; for primary and secondary growth; Max. 20 mks
Download Explain how the various specialized cells are modified to carry out their functions in plants and animals - KCSE biology essays.
Tap Here to Download for 50/-
Get on WhatsApp for 50/-
Join our whatsapp group for latest updates