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Grade 8general ScienceUnits of Matter
Grade 8general ScienceUnits of Matter
Cells are basically similar, but extraordinarily diverse and versatile. The can be modified in various ways
to carry out specialized functions.
Cell Size: most cells are microscopic (measured in very small units. The largest cells are birds eggs, but
these are not typical as the yolk and egg white contain food reserves.
Cell structure
Cytoplasm
gelatinous (jelly-like) substance with a high percentage of water; the part of the cell
outside the nucleus
contains organelles and inclusions (non-living matter e.g. glycogen, crystals, pigments)
the place where most of the cells reactions occur.
Organelles small structures that carry out specific functions. Some are found only in specific cells.
Nucleus
Lysosomes
a rod- shaped structure with a double membrane (inner membrane is highly folded).
the site of aerobic respiration (where energy is released) and so is commonly referred to
as the cells powerhouse.
Vacuoles
storage areas
if these are present in animal cells, they are small. In plant cells, there is a large, centrally-
located, and contain cell sap.
Centrioles
-two rod-shaped structures, perpendicular to each other
- found only in animal cells; play a role in cell division
http://www.biologymad.com/resources/golgi.swf
http://www.biologymad.com/resources/animal_cell.swf
http://www.biologymad.com/resources/plant_cell.swf
www.sonefe.org/online...(Biyo-Tek)
Cell Specialisation
In unicellular (single-celled) organisms, one cell must perform all the functions of a living
organism. Multicellular organisms have cells that are modified to carry out one major function
so that the organism will function efficiently. The structure of the cell will vary depending on its
function (relationship between the structure and its function.
i. The outer part of the cell wall is in the form of a long, tubular extension
(the root hair).
ii. The cell wall is thin so that the water can easily pass through.
iii. The vacuole is large.
iv. Chloroplasts are absent.
The root hair increases the surface area of the cell that is available for the uptake of
water and mineral salts.
Mesophyll cells
Guard cells
Muscle cells
Function: to cause movement when they contract (results in a decrease in the cells
length)
.
Function: fight disease (defends body against pathogens)
Each has a nucleus and they are less numerous than the red blood cells.
The red blood cells are very small and numerous (about five million per mm 3)
Adaptations:
i. biconcave shape increases the surface area for absorption
ii. thin, flexible cell membrane (rapid diffusion and enables cell to pass through small
blood vessels)
iii. the cytoplasm contains haemoglobin, a red pigment with which oxygen readily
combines.
iv. mature red blood cells have no nucleus and many other organelles are also missing.
This allows the cells to have more haemoglobin and so carry more oxygen.
The sex cells (gametes)
Sperm
Function: to carry genetic information and fertilise the female sex cell.
Adaptations:
i. They have a tail which moves by energy generated by many
mitochondria and propels the cell. The head of the cell contains an
acrosome, which is a specialised lysosome that releases enzymes so that the
sperm can penetrate the ovum coat of the egg.
ii. Sperm cells are also very small and thin, which aids their movement.
Bone cells
Lining (epithelial) cells with cilia (hair-like structures) on its outer surface.
Found in the air passages and the oviducts (Fallopian tubes)
They are (i) specialised for sweeping mucus with trapped foreign materials
up into the throat and, (ii) move the egg or zygote towards the uterus.
They do this due to the flicking motion of the cilia.
Name of tissue
Dermal Tissue - covers the Epidermal cells secrete a
outside of a waxy substance called
plant in a single cuticle, which coats,
layer of cells waterproofs, and
called the protects the above-
epidermis ground parts of plants.
Cuticle helps prevent
water loss, abrasions,
infections, and damage
from toxins.