So yesterday we were talking about how structure of cells relates to their function, and although we ran out of time I thought I'd put up some examples here.

Nerve Cell

The nerve cell has dendrites which are adapted to receiving nerve impulses from other areas.  The myelin sheath helps the impulse to travel quickly along the axon.


Plant Cell
Plant Cells have several structures that relate to their functions.  They have chloroplasts which allows them to photosynthesize, A vacoule to transport water and nutrients, a cell wall to give them structural rigidity.  Plant tissues also structures that help them function such as stomata, plasmodesmata and tracheids.




Intestinal epithelial cell (gut wall)

Intestinal cells have microvilli which increase their surface area.  Because they need energy to absorb nutrients they also have larger numbers of mitochondria.