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Why Cells Have Different Shapes
- Cells come in many shapes and sizes.
- A muscle cell is shaped like a spindle.
- A nerve cell is long and branched.
- The shape of a cell suits its job.
Example 1 — Nerve Cell
- A nerve cell is long with branches.
- This helps it reach far parts of the body.
- So it can carry messages quickly.
Example 2 — Muscle Cell
- Muscle cells in the food pipe are spindle-shaped.
- They contract and relax in waves.
- So they push food down to the stomach.
Important Points
- The number of cells also varies between organisms.
- Different cells in an organ do different jobs and work together.
Definition — Cell Shape and Function
The shape, size, and structure of a cell are related to the special function it performs.
🧠 Test Yourself — Section 2.1
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What is a cell?
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The basic unit of life that makes up the body of every living being. -
Name the three basic parts of a cell.
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The cell membrane, the cytoplasm, and the nucleus. -
Which extra layer do plant cells have?
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The cell wall, which gives them strength. -
What does the nucleus do?
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It controls all the cell's activities and growth. -
Why is a nerve cell long and branched?
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So it can reach far parts of the body and carry messages quickly.
📋 NCERT Question 1 — Label the cell parts
Place nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplast, cell wall, cell membrane, and nucleoid in the correct places, showing what is common to all cells and what is only in animal, plant, or bacterial cells.
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