Baguio City National Science High School

Purok 12, Irisan, Baguio City

S.Y. 2022-2023

GENERAL BIOLOGY 1

CELL MODIFICATIONS

During the cell division process, specialized parts or modifications are being acquired
by the cell to help meet its functions.

TYPES OF CELL MODIFICATIONS

A. APICAL MODIFICATION
- Cell modification found on the apical surface of the cell

1. Cilia and flagella

- formed from microtubules
- cilia: short hair-like structures that move in waves
- flagella: long whiplike structures

2. Villi/Microvilli
- Villi: finger like projections arising from the epithelial layer in some organs
- Microvilli: smaller projections arising from the cell’s surface
- help increase surface area for faster and efficient absorption

3. Pseudopods
- temporary, irregular lobes formed by amoebas
- apply phagocytosis in eating its prey

4. Extra-cellular matric (ECM)/Extra-cellular Fluid (ECF)

- surround, support, and give structure to cells and tissues
- aids in cell growth and movement
- glycoprotein is its main ingredient

B. BASAL MODIFICATION
- found on the basal surface of the cell

1. Desmosomes
- Facilitate adhesion between adjacent epithelial cells
- Hemidesmosomes: facilitate the stable adhesion of basal epithelial cells to the
underlying basement membrane

C. LATERAL MODIFICATION

1. TIGHT JUNCTION
- barrier that regulates the movement of water and solutes between epithelial layers
- prevents leakage of ECF
ex: bladder

2. GAP JUNCTION
1
- Communicating junctions
- Closable channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjoining animal cells
- presence of connexon that allow direct exchange of chemicals between the cytoplasm
of two cells

3. ADHERING JUNCTION
- anchoring junction on the lateral surface of the cell
- similar to the anchoring junction of the basal surface of the cell
- fasten cells to one another

D. ROOT HAIRS
- absorption of water and minerals