Cell Form and Function

A cell’s environment and function can affect its form.

Examples:

Nerve cells:

• Function: Relay signals across organism
• Form: long extension of nerve fiber to send signals, lots of signal receptors at the body of the cell

Intestinal cells:

• Function: to absorb nutrients
• Form: microvilli increases the surface area. Therefore the form increases efficiency

Skin cells:

• Function: protect and act as a barrier
• Form: flat and plate-like. having many layers of cells increases the efficiency it has for doing its job.

Red blood cells:

• Function: Deliver oxygen to body cells.
• Form: no nucleus → leads to dimpled shape → increases its efficiency/SA to deliver and absorb oxygen better.