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Lesson: Chapter 8 — Characteristics of Living Organisms

8.1. Cellular organization 3 of 5

Many kinds of cell

The body of a multicellular organism is made of many kinds of cell. Each kind matters for a different job.

In a plant body
  • Pollen cells
  • Epidermal cells
  • Spongy mesophyll cells
  • Guard cells (around the stomatal pore)
  • Xylem cells
  • Phloem cells
  • Root hair cells
In the human body
  • Skin cells
  • Nerve cells
  • Bone cells
  • White blood cells
  • Red blood cells
  • Muscle cells
  • Germ cells

Figure to be added

Figure 8.3 — how the different cell types are organized within a plant body.

Figure to be added

Figure 8.4 — how the different cell types are organized within the human body.

The shape tells you the job

More useful than memorising the two lists is one idea: a cell's shape suits its job. A root hair cell is long — that gives it more surface for absorbing water. A nerve cell is longer still — it has to carry a message a distance. A red blood cell is a disc — more surface for picking up oxygen.

Activity 01

Using the prepared microscope slides in the laboratory, observe and identify the different types of cell. Note down how the shape of each one helps it do its job.