GENERAL BIOLOGY 1

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LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET:

Cell Modifications

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

Welcome back! How are you feeling today? Are you excited for our next venture?
Have you ever wondered why do we look different despite the fact that we are all made of
cells? Today you will learn about cell modifications that allowed cells to carry out special
functions.

CELL MODIFICATION

Living organisms can be made of a single cell, such as bacteria and protists, or they
can be multicellular, like plants, animals, and fungi. Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, are
able to perform all life functions within one single cell. They can transport molecules,
metabolize nutrients, and reproduce within this one cell.

Multicellular organisms need many different types of cells to carry out the same life
processes. Each of these special types of cells has a different structure that helps it perform a
specific function. Humans have many different types of cells with different jobs, such as
blood cells that carry oxygen and nerve cells that transmit signals to all parts of the body. Cell
differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized in order to perform different
functions.

Cell specialization (or modification or differentiation) is actually a process that occurs

after cell division where the newly formed cells are structurally modified so that they can
perform their function efficiently and effectively.

Multicellular organisms begin as just one single cell—a fertilized egg. Growing from
one single cell to trillions of specialized cells that perform different functions is a process that
happens with the regulation of DNA and RNA.
Specialized Plant Cells

Root cells are specialized plant cells that absorb

dissolved minerals and water from the ground. Root cells
grow in long lengths called root hairs in order to increase the
surface area of the root system. This also helps anchor the
plant. Since root cells grow underground, you would not
expect to find chloroplasts in these cells since the purpose of
chloroplasts is to absorb energy from the sun. The tip of
the root also has
Root hair ©Biology Notes
specialized cells in an area called the root cap. These cells
discharge a slippery substance that helps them burrow down
into the soil more easily.

The stem cells of plants are specialized cells that

transport water, nutrients, and the products of photosynthesis
throughout the plant. They connect the photosynthesis
factories in the leaves with the storage site in the roots.
Xylem cells transport water from the roots in the upward
direction. Phloem cells transport nutrients in both directions
to reach all parts of the plant. Some plants have specialized
stem cells that form the wood to support the plant as it grows Stem Cells ©Biology Libre Text
upward and outward.

The cells found in the leaves of plants are highly

specialized, and there are many different types. Column-
shaped palisade cells are found near the surface of the leaf.
They are full of chloroplasts ready to capture energy from the
sun and turn it into chemical energy. Along the bottom of the
leaf, guard cells open and close to allow the transfer of gases
with the atmosphere as well as the transpiration of water.
These cells can help protect the plant from drying out.

Specialized Animal Cells Guard Cells ©Myscienceschool.org

Red blood cells are specialized cells found in animals

that transport oxygen throughout the body. Since transport is
their primary function, they do not need a nucleus. The lack
of a nucleus leaves more space in the cell for hemoglobin,
the protein that binds to oxygen. This also gives red blood
cells their unique shape. Unlike most cells red blood cells do
not reproduce through mitosis. They are created in the
marrow found in the bones. Red Blood Cells ©medical news today
Muscle cells are long, fibrous cells that have the
ability to contract. They allow animals to move and allow
their organs to function in circulation as well as digestion.
Muscle cells are made up of two special types of proteins
called actin and myosin. Because of actin and myosin,
muscle strands are able to slide past each other. This sliding
action allows muscle cells to contract. Since a lot of energy is
needed in your muscle cells, you will find more mitochondria
in them than is found in most cells.
Muscle cells ©science learning hub
Epithelial cells are the cells that line the outside, as well as the inside, of your body.
They are the cells that make up your skin. Skin epithelium is actually located just below the
surface of your skin. The epithelial cells are responsible for making new cells. They also
produce the pigment, melanin, which protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. Epithelium
also lines the
inside of your digestive tract and your respiratory system. Epithelial cells come in many shapes
and sizes, depending on their function.

1. Apical (Surface or luminal) modifications: It is specialized to carry out functions that

occur at these interfaces, including secretion, absorption, and movement of luminal
contents.

 Cilia: are membrane-covered extensions of the entire apical surface. They beat in
waves, often moving a surface coat of mucus and trapped materials. Ciliated epithelia
include ciliated pseudostratified columnar (respiratory) epithelium and the ciliated
simple columnar epithelium of the oviducts.
 Flagella: are also concerned with movement. Spermatozoa, derived from seminiferous
epithelia, are the only flagellated human cells.
 Microvilli (brush border or striated border): are plasma membrane-covered extensions
of the cell surface. Their cores are composed of parallel actin microfilaments; these are
anchored in a dense mat of filaments in the apical cytoplasm called the terminal web.
By interacting with cytoplasmic myosin, the microfilaments can contract, shortening
the microvilli. The apical surface of absorptive cells is usually covered with microvilli,
which greatly increase the apical surface area when extended. Microvillus-covered
epithelia, said to exhibit a striated border, or brush border, include the absorptive
simple columnar epithelium lining the small intestines and the absorptive simple
cuboidal epithelium lining the proximal tubules of the kidney.
 Stereocilia: are not true cilia but very long microvilli. They are found in the male
reproductive tract (epididymis. ductus deferens) where they have an absorptive
function, and in the internal ear (hair cells of the maculae and organ of Corti). where
they have a sensory function.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

The learner describes some cell modifications that lead to adaptation to carry out
specialized functions (e.g. microvilli, root hair). STEM_BIO11/12-1a-c-5

DIRECTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS

Perform the following activities. If you are at home you can have the activity together
with your family. Take note of each step. If you have questions, you can contact your teacher
for clarifications and assistance. Enjoy learning!
ACTIVITY 1:

Answer the given questions below. Write your answer on the space provided in each
item.

1. Why is cell differentiation necessary for the survival of multicellular organisms?

2. Cilia are found in the respiratory system both in the nose and bronchus. What do you
think is the function of cilia?

3. Microvilli are found in the small intestines where most of the nutrients that we take in are
absorbed by the body. What do you think is the function of microvilli?

4. Plant roots are used by plants to absorb water and nutrients. Most plant roots have root
hairs. What do you think is the function of roots hairs in plants?

ACTIVITY 2: QUESTION TO PONDER

1. Just like a cell, they undergo modification to adapt themselves to survive in the
environment. In your life, what changes have you done to adapt yourself with the changing
demands of the society?
2. Do you think it is necessary that organisms continue to modify and specialize? Why or why
not?

REFLECTION

Directions: Accomplish this part honestly.

1. I learned that

2. I enjoyed most on

3. I want to learn more on

REFERENCES FOR LEARNERS

Cell Specialization and Differentiation (n.d.). Texas Gateway for Online Resources.
Retrieved from: https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/cell-specialization-and-
differentiation#:~:text=Multicellular%20organisms%20need%20many%20different,it%
20perform%20a%20specific%20function.&text=Cell%20differentiation%20is%20the
%20process,order%20to%20perform%20different%20functions.