AS Biology - Cell Structure - Cells & Organelles Part 3

Structure

Structure of the cell might affect it's job......
Example: If it's part of an exchange surface it might have organelles that increase surface area - such as microvilli.
If it carries things it might have lost some of its originial organelles to make more room.

Job

The cells job e.g. if it uses a lot of energy it'll need lots of mitochondria. If it makes a lot of proteins it'll need a lot of ribosomes.  

Example 1:

• Epithelial cells in the small intestine are adapted to absorb food efficiently.
• The walls of the small intestine have finger-like projections called villi to increase surface area.
• They also have lots of mitochondria to provide energy for the transport of digested food molecules into the cell.

Example 2:

• Palisade cells are adapted for photosynthesis.
• Rigid cell walls made of cellulose support and strengthen the cell.
• Inside the cell is a permanent vacuole containing cell sap - weak solution of sugars and salts.
• Has chloroplasts - where photosynthesis occurs, containing green substances called chlorophyll.