S3.1.5 For the adult
Cells with special jobs
Why are some cells long and thin, and others round and flat?
What this chapter teaches
Many cells are built for one job, and the shape fits the job. A nerve cell carries messages, a red blood cell carries oxygen, and a root hair cell takes in water. In mammals a red blood cell has no nucleus.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- Why is a nerve cell long and thin?
- How does the shape of a red blood cell help it carry oxygen?
- Why does a root hair cell have a long hair?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain how nerve, red blood and root hair cells suit their jobs
- Match a special cell to the job it does
What they copy into their notebook
A nerve cell is long and branched, to carry messages. A red blood cell is a dented disc, to carry oxygen. A root hair cell has a long hair, to take in water.