The document describes the key characteristics and functions of several types of specialized plant and animal cells, including palisade cells, root hair cells, guard cells, xylem cells, epidermal cells, fat cells, neurons, red blood cells, muscle cells, sperm cells, gland cells, and egg cells. Each cell type is specialized to perform a particular role through adaptations like surface area, organelle content, shape, and secretory abilities.

1. Specialised cells Cells may be specialised to carry out a particular function

2. Palisade cells Large surface area. Many tightly packed chloroplasts. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

3. Root hair cells Thin membrane. Large surface area. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

4. Guard cells Half-circle shape. Found in pairs. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

5. Xylem cells Hollow. Form long tubes. Walls contain lignin. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

6. Epidermal cells Closely fitting. Thin waxy layer. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

7. B2 1 Cells Animal cells – structure and function

8. Fat cells Have little normal cytoplasm. Have few mitochondria. Can expand up to 1000x. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

9. Neurones Long and thin. Form connections with other neurones. Can carry electrical impulses in one direction. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

10. Red blood cells Large surface area. Small diameter. No nucleus. Contain haemoglobin. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

11. Muscle cells Elongated. Contain many mitochondria. Can contract. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

12. Sperm cells Large nucleus. Contain digestive enzymes. Many mitochondria. Have long tail. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

13. Gland cells Large cells. Lie next to blood capillaries. Able to manufacture and secrete chemicals. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006

14. Egg cells Large in diameter. Contain stored food. Large nucleus. AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006