1.3 Specialized cells
Summary: As you are reading this, your body is doing many different things. Each function carried out in the body is performed by different cells. Each type of cell has slightly different features. Tags: science oxford-science student-book-7 biology Created: 2026-05-19 Last Updated: 2026-05-19
After this topic, you will be able to:
- describe the function (job) of specialized Cells
- describe the features of specialized animal cells
- describe the features of specialized plant cells.
Think back
- Where is the genetic material in cells?
- Which chemical reaction happens inside the mitochondria?
Key idea Different cells have different functions (jobs).
Key words specialized cell, adaptations, nerve cell, red blood cell, muscle cell, leaf cell, root hair cell
As you are reading this, your body is doing many different things. Each function carried out in the body is performed by different cells. Each type of cell has slightly different features.
How are animal cells different?
Most cells in your body contain a nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. However, many cells have different shapes and structures. These special features allow the cells to carry out a particular job. These cells are called specialized cells.
The special features are called adaptations. If you look carefully at a specialized cell, its shape and special features can provide clues about what it does.
Nerve cells
Nerve cells carry electrical impulses around the body. Figure 1 shows a nerve cell.
Figure 1A nerve cell. Its scientific name is a neurone.
They are long and thin. They have connections at each end where they can join to other nerve cells. This allows them to carry messages around the body.
A Give two adaptations of a nerve cell.
Red blood cells
Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. They contain haemoglobin. This is a red pigment that joins to oxygen. Unlike most animal cells, red blood cells do not have a nucleus. They are small and round and curve in on both sides. Their shape increases their surface area and helps them carry oxygen. Figure 2 shows a red blood cell.
Figure 2A red blood cell.
B Name the cell part missing in a red blood cell.
Skeletal muscle cells
Skeletal muscle cells are made up of long, fibrous protein filaments. These filaments are able to slide past each other, which shortens the cell. The main role of these cells is to contract, pulling the bones of the skeleton. This action results in movement. Figure 3 shows some skeletal muscle cells.
Figure 3Skeletal muscle cells Full text alternative to the content
How are plant cells different?
Not all plant cells are the same. Cells from different parts of a plant are specialized to perform their job.
Leaf cells
Figure 4 shows a leaf cell. Leaf cells near the top of a leaf carry out Photosynthesis. The cells are long and thin. They are packed with chloroplasts. Their shape gives them a large surface area. This is perfect for taking in Energy from the sun.
Figure 4A cell from the top of a leaf. Its scientific name is a palisade cell. Full text alternative to the content
C Give two adaptations of a leaf cell.
Root hair cells
Root hair cells take in water and nutrients from the soil. The root hairs create a large surface area for taking in water and nutrients. As there is no Light underground, root hair cells do not have chloroplasts. They do not carry out photosynthesis. You can see the parts of a root hair cell in Figure 5.
Figure 5A root hair cell.
D Give two adaptations of a root hair cell.
Stretch zone
- Copy and complete the sentences. Specialized cells have special blank that allow them to carry out their function. Red blood cells carry blank around the body. Leaf cells are packed full of blank to carry out photosynthesis.
- State the function of these specialized cells. nerve cellroot hair cell
Stretch zone
- Skeletal muscle cells are an example of a specialized animal cell. Describe the function of a skeletal muscle cell.Explain how skeletal muscle cells are adapted to perform their function.