CELL MODIFICATION

Cell modifications are specialized cell structures

or modifications re-acquired by the cell after cell
division that helps the cell in different ways. The
three types of cell modifications are apical, basal
and lateral cell modifications.
A. Apical Modification

Cell modification found on the apical surface of the cell.

It is specialized to carry out functions that occur at these
interfaces(interact), including secretion, absorption,
and movement of luminal contents. Examples are the
following;
Cilia are projections, usually
short, hairlike structures
and a type of organelle seen
on the apical surface of
epithelial cells. This assists in
the movement of material over
the epithelial surface in a
manner parallel with the
surface of the epithelium.
Flagella are long, whip-like
structure that are formed by
microtubules protruding from
the cell body of bacteria and
some eukaryotic cells. The
primary function of a flagellum
is that of
locomotion(movement), but it
also functions as sensory
organelle.
Villi are finger-like
projections that arise
from the epithelial layer
in some organs. They
help to increase surface
area, allowing faster
and more efficient
absorption.
Microvilli are smaller projections than villi
which functions primarily on the efficient
absorption of molecules. Microvilli are present
on the apical aspect of the columnar epithelium
of the duodenum .
PLANT CELL MODIFICATION:

Root hairs

These are cylindrical

extensions of root epidermal
cells that are important for
absorption of nutrients.
Pseudopods – Temporary, irregular lobes formed
by amoebas and some other eukaryotic cells. It
bulges outward to move the cell or engulf the
prey. It primarily consist of actin filaments and
may also contain microtubules and intermediate
filaments. Pseudopods are used for motility and
ingestion
Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) –
They act as barriers that
regulate the movement of
water and solutes between
epithelial layers wall is the
extracellular structure in plant
cells that distinguishes them
from animal cells. The plant cell
wall is made up of molecules
secreted by the cell called
cellulose, a polysaccharide
compose of glucose units.
B. Basal Modification – Cell modification
found on the basal surface of the cell
basement membrane.
Desmosomes/ Hemidesmosomes – These allow for
strong attachment between cells or to a basement
membrane. Desmosomes attach to the microfilaments of
cytoskeleton made up of keratin protein.
Hemidesmosomes are similar to desmosomes in terms of
function, however, they attach the epithelial cell to the
basement membrane rather than the adjacent cell.
C. Lateral Modification

Cell modification found on the basal surface of the

cell.These are tight junctions, adhering junctions
and gap junctions. These structures consist of protein
complexes and induce connectivity between adjacent
epithelial cells, between cell and ECM. They can
contribute to the barrier function of epithelia and
control the paracellular transport.
Adherens Junctions –
Protein complexes that
occur in cell to cell
junctions in epithelial and
endothelial tissues (help
hold animal cells
together), usually more
basal than tight junctions.
Gap Junctions- It is also known
as communicating
junctions(small tunnels). These
are especialized intercellular
connections between multitude of
animal cell-types. They directly
connect the cytoplasm of two
cells, which allows various
molecules, ions and electrical
impulses to directly pass
through a regulated gate
between cells
Tight Junctions – They
are transmembrane
proteins fused on
outer plasma
membrane . They act
as barriers that
regulate the movement
of water and solutes
between epithelial
layers
1. These are projections, usually
short, hair like structures and a
type of organelle seen on the
apical surface of epithelial cells.
2. What are finger-like
projections that arise from the
epithelial layer in some
organs?
3.These are long, whip-like
structure that are formed by
microtubules protruding from the
cell body of bacteria and some
eukaryotic cells.
4. These are cylindrical extensions of
root epidermal cells that are important
for absorption of nutrients.
5. These are smaller projections than
villi which functions primarily on the
efficient absorption of molecules.
6. It is also known as
communicating
junctions(small tunnels).
7. They act as barriers that
regulate the movement of
water and solutes between
epithelial layers
8. Temporary, irregular lobes
formed by amoebas and some
other eukaryotic cells.
9. These allow for strong
attachment between cells or
to a basement
10. Protein complexes that
occur in cell to cell junctions in
epithelial and endothelial
tissues
Activity: Sing and rhyme!

-8 members / Group

-choose one from the five cell

modifications which are the cilia,
flagella, villi, microvilli, roothair

-use the cell modifications on your

chosen song
You have 5 minutes to prepare

Each group will be graded by the leaders of

the other groups(use ¼ sheet of paper)

Each group will have 1-2 minutes to

perform
Criteria

5 points - choice of song

5 points - correct rhyme
5 points – correct tune/clarity of the
song
5 points – originality
5 points -performance
THANK YOU!
1. Cilia
2. Villi
3. Flagella
4. Roothair
5. Microvilli
6. Gap junctions
7. Tight junctions
8. Pseudopods
9. Desmosomes/hemidesmosomes
10. Adherens junctions