Specialised cells
Many cells in multicellular organisms are specialised. They have specific roles in the organism of which they are part. Their structure is adapted to their function. They are often grouped together with other similar cells in tissues.
Animal cells
Plant cells
| Type of cell | Function | How it is adapted to its function |
| Root hair cell | They absorb water and minerals. | A long thin 'hair' extends from each cell into the soil increasing the root's surface area. Each root has many thousands of root hairs, which can make the root look furry. |
| Xylem cell | They transport water and minerals up the stem to leaves and flowers. | Dead cells are joined end to end to form a continuous tube. They have no cytoplasm. Their walls contain lignin for strengthening. |
| Phloem cell | They transport sugars, amino acids, other substances both up and down the stem to leaves, flowers and roots. | Made of tube-like living cells joined end to end. They do have cytoplasm. This means that the cells are living. |
| Type of cell | Root hair cell |
|---|---|
| Function | They absorb water and minerals. |
| How it is adapted to its function | A long thin 'hair' extends from each cell into the soil increasing the root's surface area. Each root has many thousands of root hairs, which can make the root look furry. |
| Type of cell | Xylem cell |
|---|---|
| Function | They transport water and minerals up the stem to leaves and flowers. |
| How it is adapted to its function | Dead cells are joined end to end to form a continuous tube. They have no cytoplasm. Their walls contain lignin for strengthening. |
| Type of cell | Phloem cell |
|---|---|
| Function | They transport sugars, amino acids, other substances both up and down the stem to leaves, flowers and roots. |
| How it is adapted to its function | Made of tube-like living cells joined end to end. They do have cytoplasm. This means that the cells are living. |
Discover more about specialised animal and plant cells with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on 鶹Լ Sounds.
Dr Alex Lathbridge breaks down the key facts about specialised animal and plant cells.