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UNIT 2 Lesson 2.2 Structures of Animal Cells

This document provides an overview of animal cell structures and functions. It begins with learning objectives about describing biological organization hierarchy and differentiating animal cell types. The main sections discuss hierarchy of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems, and types of animal tissues including epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues. Key points and assessments are included to help students understand animal cell structures and functions.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
682 views24 pages

UNIT 2 Lesson 2.2 Structures of Animal Cells

This document provides an overview of animal cell structures and functions. It begins with learning objectives about describing biological organization hierarchy and differentiating animal cell types. The main sections discuss hierarchy of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems, and types of animal tissues including epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues. Key points and assessments are included to help students understand animal cell structures and functions.

Uploaded by

Katznjammr
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 


 
Lesson 2.2 
Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 
 
Contents 
Introduction 1 

Learning Objectives 2 

Warm Up 2 

Learn about It! 3 


Hierarchy of Biological Organization 3 
Types of Animal Tissues 6 
Epithelial Tissues 7 
Connective Tissues 10 
Muscular Tissues 14 
Nervous Tissues 16 

Key Points 19 

Check Your Understanding 20 

Challenge Yourself 22 

Bibliography 23 
 
   

 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Lesson 2.2 
Structures and Functions of Animal 
Cells 
 

 
 

  Introduction 
The  shape  of  an  airplane  is  similar  to  the  general  form  of  a  bird.  The  shape  of  a  boat 
resembles  that  of  a  fish.  These  are  some  examples  of  similarities  between  the  forms  of 
living  and  nonliving  things.  The  structures  present in living organisms are usually used as a 
basis  for  designing  objects.  For  example,  the  wings  of  an  airplane  are  curved  on  top  and 
flatter  on  the  bottom  or  underside  as  in  a  bird’s  wings.  This  form  decreases  the  pressure 
on  top  of  the  wings  and  increases  the  pressure  at  the  bottom.  The  increase  in  pressure 
pushes  the  airplane  or  the  bird  upward  and  helps  in  flight.  The  structure  of  an  airplane  is 
related  to  its  function.  Similarly, the structures and functions of the components that make 
up our body and other organisms are also related to each other. 
 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  1 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

 
 

Learning Objectives  DepEd Competency 


 
In this lesson, you should be able to do the 
Classify different cell types 
following:  (plant/animal tissues) and specify 
● Describe the hierarchy of the biological  the function(s) of each 

organization.  (STEM_BIO11/12-Ia-c-4). 
   
● Differentiate animal cell types based on 
 

their structures and functions. 


 

  Warm Up   

  Sort It Out    15 minutes 


Organizing  objects,  such  as  those  found  cluttered  in a work table, can be performed by first 
selecting  a  certain  set  of  criteria  to  describe  them.  Thereafter,  they  can  be  grouped 
accordingly.  In  this  activity,  you  have  to  show  your  skills  in  classifying  objects  based  on 
various criteria. 
 

Materials 
● colored paper cups (colors of the rainbow) 
● paper clips 
● popsicle sticks with numerical values  
 

Procedure 
1. Divide the class into four groups.  
2. Designate  three  different  stations  for  each  group.  Let  the  students  assign  members 
to  each  station.  The  number  of  members  that  will  be  assigned  to  each  station  may 
depend on the class size. 
3. Each  participating  team  shall  shuffle  the  given  objects  per  station before the start of 
the activity. 
4. Sort  the  given  materials  based  on  the given task or instruction per station. These are 
as follows.  
 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  2 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

● Station 1: Sort the cups based on the colors of the rainbow.  


● Station  2:  Sort  the  paper  clips  based  on  color  and  size.  Combine  paper  clips 
of  the  same  color.  Thereafter,  paper  clips  of  the  same  color  will  be  sorted 
based on their size. 
● Station  3:  Sort  the  popsicle  sticks  based  on  the  sum  of the written numerical 
values from the lowest to the highest sum. 
5. The group who will finish all three stations in the shortest time will be the winner. 
 
Guide Questions 
1. What do you think is the best strategy to finish the three stations in the shortest 
possible time? 
2. Did you encounter difficulties during the activity? What are these? 
3. In biology, why is it important to classify things based on a certain set of criteria?  
 

  Learn about It! 


All  organisms  are  made  up  of  at  least  one  cell.  In  complex  multicellular  organisms  like 
animals,  cells  come in different structures and functions—they differ in terms of shapes and 
sizes, and they also have specialized functions.  
 

Why is the cell considered as the basic unit of life? 


 
 
Hierarchy of Biological Organization 
Biology  is  a  vast  field  of  study.  To  understand  life  from  the  molecular  level  up  to the global 
scale  of  the  entire  living  planet,  biologists divide the enormous range into different levels of 
biological  organization.  The  hierarchy  of  biological  organization  is  shown  in  Fig.  2.2.1.  The 
description and examples of each biological organization is shown in Table 2.2.1. 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  3 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

 
Fig. 2.2.1. The hierarchy of biological organization includes the assemblage of life from the 
smallest biomolecules to the interacting ecosystems of the biosphere. 
 
Table 2.2.1. Different levels of biological organization 

Level of 
Biological  Description  Examples 
Organization 

Four types of biomolecules or 


molecules associated with life: 
atoms and molecules that make  ● carbohydrates 
Chemical  
up the basic unit of life  ● proteins 
● lipids or fats 
● nucleic acids 

distinct and specialized  mitochondria, nucleus, Golgi 


Organelle 
subcellular structures that  apparatus, endoplasmic 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  4 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

contribute to the cell’s  reticulum 


maintenance and reproduction; 
membrane-bound structures in 
eukaryotic cells 

the smallest, basic, functional 


unit of life formed when  skin cells, blood cells, muscle 
Cell 
different atoms and molecules  cells or fibers, neurons 
combine and function together 

Four types of animal tissue: 


groups of cells that work  ● epithelial tissue 
Tissue  together to perform a  ● connective tissue 
specialized function   ● muscle tissue 
● nervous tissue 

groups of tissues that work 


Organ  together to perform a  skin, heart, leg muscle, brain 
specialized function 

groups of organs that work  integumentary system, 


Organ system  together to perform a certain  circulatory system, muscular 
process in the body  system, nervous system 

formed by different organ 


systems that create complex 
humans, grasses, dogs, cats, 
Organism  interactions with one another to 
mushroom 
maintain balance or homeostasis, 
and sustain life   

organisms that belong to the  humans living in the same 


Population  same species and live in the  house, koalas living an area of 
same area  the forest 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  5 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

humans, cats, and dogs living in 


different populations living in  the same house; koalas, 
Community 
the same area  kangaroos, and various tree 
species in an area of the forest 

humans, cats, dogs, and grasses 


includes all the communities 
getting resources from nonliving 
Ecosystem  interacting with one another and 
things like soil, water, and 
with their environment 
sunlight 

includes all the different kinds of  the entire surface of Earth 
Biosphere 
ecosystem  where life thrives 

Based on the levels of biological organization, why 


are sponges considered the simplest forms of 
 
animals? 
 
Types of Animal Tissues 
Tissues are groups of cells that are similar in structure and function. In animals, as shown in 
Fig.  2.2.2,  there  are  four  main  types  of  tissue—epithelial,  connective,  muscle,  and  nervous 
tissues.  

 
Fig. 2.2.2. The four types of tissues in animals vary significantly in structure and function. 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  6 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Epithelial Tissues 
Epithelial  tissue  or  epithelium  is  a  type  of  animal  tissue  that  forms  the  inner  and  outer 
lining  of  organs,  the  covering  in  surfaces,  and  the  primary  glandular  tissue  of  the  body.  In 
terms  of  structure,  epithelial  cells  are  closely  packed  to  form  continuous  sheets.  This  kind 
of  structure  allows  epithelium  to  form  linings  and  impart  protection  to  bodily  structures. 
The  presence  of cell junctions like desmosomes and tight junctions, as shown in Fig. 2.2.3, 
permits  the  cells  of  epithelial tissue to absorb and filter different substances. One side of an 
epithelial  cell  is  unattached  and  is  exposed  to  the  body’s  exterior  or  to  the  cavity  of  an 
internal  organ.  This  exposed  part  is  called  the  apical  surface.  Some  apical  surfaces  are 
smooth,  but  some  have  surface  modifications,  such  as  cilia  or microvilli. Another important 
structure  in  epithelial  tissues  is  the  basement  membrane.  It  is  a  structureless  material 
secreted  by  cells  in  the  lower  surface of the epithelium. The basement membrane serves to 
adhere to the epithelium to the loose connective tissue underneath it.  
 

 
Fig. 2.2.3. The different types of cell-cell junctions characterize various epithelial tissues. 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  7 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Epithelial  tissues  are  avascular,  which  means  that  they  do  not  have a blood supply of their 
own.  They  acquire  nutrients  and  release  waste  materials  through  diffusion  from  the 
capillaries  in  the  underlying  connective  tissue.  Another  distinct  characteristic  of  epithelium 
is its ability to regenerate easily. 
 
Epithelial  tissues  are  classified  based  on  cell  arrangement  or  number  of  layers  (i.e.,  simple 
and  stratified  epithelial  tissues),  and  based  on  cell  shapes  (squamous,  cuboidal,  and 
columnar).  They  are  given  two  names  based  on  these  two  bases  for  classification.  Table 
2.2.2 below describes in detail the types of epithelial tissues in animals. 
 
Table 2.2.2. Different types of epithelial tissues 

Epithelial  Number of  Shape of 


Examples  Functions 
Tissues  Layers  Cells 

site of diffusion or 


air sacs or 
flat,  exchange of 
one  alveoli, capillary 
scale-like  substances; 
walls 
  secretion 

glands and their 


ducts, ovaries,  absorption and 
one  cube-shaped 
and lining of  secretion 
  kidney tubules 

walls of the 
elongated or  absorption and 
gastro- 
column-  secretion; contains 
one  intestinal tract 
shaped  goblet cells that 
and body 
    secrete mucus  
cavities 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  8 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

absorption and 
secretion; 
usually ciliated 
(with hair-like 
elongated or  projections called 
one  the lining of the 
column-  cilia); cells have 
  respiratory tract 
shaped  unequal length and 
 
position of nucleus 
forming a false 
(hence, pseudo-) 
layering of cells 

the epidermis,  protection against 


more than  flat,  lining of mouth,  abrasion or 
one  scale-like  esophagus, and  constant exposure 

  vagina  to friction 

sweat glands, 
more than  salivary glands,  protection and 
cube-shaped 
one    and mammary  secretion  

  glands 

elongated or  male urethra 


more than  protection and 
column-  and ducts of 
one  secretion 
shaped  some glands 
 

 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  9 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

The trachea is lined with a pseudostratified ciliated 


columnar epithelium. How does this structure 
  prevent unwanted particles like food from entering 
the lungs? 
 
 
Connective Tissues 
Connective  tissue  is the most abundant tissue in the body that connects body parts. Unlike 
the  avascularized epithelial tissues, most connective tissues are vascularized (with constant 
blood  supply  from  blood  vessels)  except  tendons  and  ligaments.  If  epithelial  tissues  have a 
basement  membrane,  connective  tissues  have  an  extracellular  matrix  as  shown  in  Fig. 
2.2.4.  These  are  varying  amounts  of  substances  found  outside  the  cells.  It  is  made  up  of 
ground  substance  and  fibers.  The  ground  substance  is  mostly  made  up  of  water,  adhesion 
proteins,  and  large  polysaccharides  or  complex  sugars.  The  amount  of  polysaccharide 
determines  the  consistency  of  the  matrix.  Also,  the  amount  and  type  of  fiber  vary 
depending on the type of connective tissue. 

 
Fig. 2.2.4. The basic components of connective tissues vary according to their type (left, 
extracellular matrix; right, fibers and fibroblast). 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  10 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Fibers  in  connective can be elastin, collagen, or reticular fiber, as shown in Fig. 2.2.4. Elastin 


is  a  rubberlike  protein  which  has  the  capacity  to  stretch  and  recoil.  Reticular  fibers  are 
usually  oriented  randomly,  forming  mesh-like  structures  such  as  in  the  spleen.  Collagen, 
the  strongest  and  the  thickest  among  the  three  fibers,  has  a  strength  comparable  to  steel. 
Connective  tissues  have  different  functions  depending  on their structural components. This 
tissue  type  supports,  connects,  and  protects  other  body  tissues.  It  also  serves  as  a  water 
reservoir  because  of  its  ability  to  absorb  large  amounts  of  water.  Table  2.2.3  describes  in 
detail the composition, functions, and examples of each type of connective tissue.   
 
Table 2.2.3. The different types of connective tissues and their examples 

Connective tissues  Description  Examples  Functions 

● layers of a very 
hard matrix with 
calcium salts and 
collagen fibers 
Bone or osseous  protection 
● consists of bone  skull and ribs 
tissue  and support 
cells (osteocytes 
and osteoclasts) 
found in cavities 
called lacunae  

● hyaline cartilage 
(hyalin, glass) with 
glass-like rubbery 
● more flexible 
matrix and collagen 
matrix than bone 
fibers found in the  protection 
Cartilage  ● cartilage cells 
skeleton of fetus,  and support 
called 
larynx, and joints 
chondrocytes 
● fibrocartilage, the 
highly compressible 
cartilage found in 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  11 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

vertebral disks 
● elastic cartilage 
found in the outer 
ear 

● tendon, a strong 
rope-like structure 
● matrix is 
that connects 
predominantly 
skeletal muscles to 
made up of 
bones 
Dense connective or  collagen fibers 
● a ligament is more  support 
dense fibrous tissue  and has lesser 
flexible (with more 
cells 
elastic fibers) than 
● fibroblast or 
tendon and it 
fiber-forming cells 
connects bones at 
joints 

● areolar tissue 
(areola, small open 
space), a soft tissue 
that cushions the 
● matrix contains  organ it wraps, holds 
more cells and  internal organs in 
protection, 
lesser fibers than  place and holds 
Loose connective  insulation, 
dense connective  water and salts for 
tissue  storage, and 
tissue so it is  the surrounding 
support 
softer  tissues that need it 
  ● adipose tissue or 
fat tissue is mainly 
made up of fat cells 
or adipocytes 
containing oils that 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  12 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

insulate the body 


parts and serve as an 
energy reservoir 
● reticular 
connective tissue is 
composed of 
reticular cells and 
interwoven reticular 
fibers that form a 
stroma or the 
supporting structure 
for lymphocytes in 
lymphoid organs 

● plasma, a liquid 
matrix 
● cellular 
● blood, the vascular 
components 
tissue that circulates  transport of 
consist of blood 
in the body   substances, 
cells 
Blood  ● blood cells may be  immune 
● with fibers that 
red blood cells, white  response, and 
are only visible 
blood cells, and  blood clotting 
during clotting 
platelets 
because they are 
made of soluble 
proteins 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  13 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

 
The different connective tissues vary with the composition of their extracellular matrices 
and the types of cells they consist of. 
 
Muscular Tissues 
Muscular  tissue,  or  simply  muscle  (as  shown  in  Fig.  2.2.5),  is  made  up  of  specialized  cells 
that  can  shorten  or  contract  to  produce  movements.  Muscle  tissues  consist  of  long  and 
extensive  muscle  fibers.  There  are  three  types  of  muscle  tissues that differ in structure and 
function.  
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  14 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

 
Fig. 2.2.5. The types of muscle tissues differ in their general structure but more or less 
perform the same function, i.e., to elicit movement.   
 
● Skeletal  muscle  is  a  muscle  tissue  attached  to  the  skeleton  or  bones.  These 
muscles  can  be  controlled  consciously  or  voluntarily.  Skeletal  muscle  cells 
are  long,  cylindrical,  striated  (with  visible  stripes), and multinucleated (with 
more  than  one  nucleus).  When  they  contract,  they  pull  the  bone and the skin 
to cause movement.  
● Smooth  muscle  or  visceral  muscle  is  a  type  of  muscle  tissue  commonly 
found  in  the  walls  of  hollow  organs  such  as  intestines,  stomach,  bladder, 
blood  vessels,  and  uterus.  It  involuntarily  contracts  slower  than  the  other 
two  types  of  muscle  tissue.  Smooth  muscles  are  nonstriated,  uninucleated, 
and spindle-shaped (have pointed ends) cells. 
● Cardiac  muscle  is  a  muscle  tissue  found  in  the  heart.  Unlike  a  skeletal 
muscle,  it  is  uninucleated  (one  nucleus)  and  it  moves  involuntarily  (cannot 
be  controlled  consciously).  However,  it  has  striations  like  skeletal  muscle. 
Cardiac  muscle  cells  are  branching  together  and  fit  tightly  together  at 
junctions  called  intercalated  disks.  These  disks  contain  gap  junctions  that 
facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses across the heart. 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  15 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Nervous Tissues 
Nervous  tissue  makes  up  the  central  nervous  system  and  peripheral  nervous  system.  It  is 
composed  of  neurons  and  neuroglia  or  supporting  cells.  Each  neuron  serves  as  the  basic 
structural  unit  of  the  nervous  system.  The  two  basic  characteristics  of  neurons  are 
irritability  and  conductivity.  Irritability  allows  them  to  be  sensitive  and  responsive  to  the 
various  stimuli,  while  conductivity  allows  for  the  transmission  of  the  reception  and 
conduction  of  electrochemical  signals  from  one  part  of  the  body  to  another.  A  neuron  is 
made  up  of  the  cell  body  or  soma,  dendrite,  and  axon  as  shown  in Fig. 2.2.6. The dendrite 
is  the  receiver  of  electrochemical  signals  from  external  stimuli  or  from  adjacent neurons. It 
transmits  incoming  signals  towards  the  cell  body.  The  cell  body  or  soma  contains  the 
nucleus  and  specialized  organelles  that  produce  molecules  needed  by  the  neuron. 
Electrochemical  signals  will  be  transmitted  away  from  the  cell  body  through  the  axon.  The 
axon  is  surrounded  by  an  insulating  layer  called  the  myelin sheath that allows impulses to 
transmit quickly and efficiently along the neuron. The periodic gaps between myelin sheaths 
on  an  axon  are  called  Nodes  of  Ranvier.  Between  two  neurons,  or  a  neuron  and a muscle 
or  gland,  there  is  a  neural  junction  or  synapse  where  the  transmission  of  electrochemical 
signals occurs. 
 

 
Fig. 2.2.6. Neuron, the basic unit of the nervous system, consists of structures that can 
conduct electrochemical signals as a form of information. 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  16 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

There  are three types of neurons based on function. These are sensory neuron interneuron, 
and  motor  neuron,  the  structural  variations  of  which  are  shown  in  Fig.  2.2.7.  Sensory 
neurons  are  usually  unipolar  or  pseudounipolar  with  an  axon  that  branches  into  two 
extensions.  The  first  one  is  connected  to  the  dendrite  that  receives  sensory  input,  and  the 
other  one  transmits  the  information  to  the  central  nervous  system.  Interneurons  are 
bipolar  or  multipolar  neurons  with  one  axon  and  multiple  dendrites.  It  connects  the 
sensory  neuron  to  the  motor  neuron.  Motor  neurons  are  multipolar  neurons  that  carry 
electrochemical signals from the CNS to the muscles or glands. 
 

 
Fig. 2.2.7. Neurons may be classified based on their number of cellular processes.  
 
Aside  from  neurons,  nervous  tissues  also  contain  neuroglia  or  supporting  cells.  They  do 
not  conduct  nerve  impulses,  but  rather  support,  protect,  or insulate neurons. There are six 
types  of  neuroglia  or  glial  cells—four  of  them  are  in  the  central  nervous  system  (CNS) and 
two  in  the  peripheral  nervous  system  (PNS).  The  CNS  consists  of  the  brain  and  the  spinal 
cord,  whereas  the  PNS  consists  of  the  nerves  that are distributed throughout the body. The 
glial  cells,  as  shown  in  Fig.  2.2.8.,  include  the  astrocytes,  microglial  cells,  ependymal  cells, 
and  oligodendrocytes  in  CNS.  Fig.  2.2.9.  shows  the  satellite  cells  and  Schwann  cells  in  the 
PNS. 
 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  17 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

 
Fig. 2.2.8. Neuroglia or glial cells in the central nervous system 
 
Astrocytes  are  star-shaped  cells  that  support  and  control  the  chemical  environment 
around  the  neurons.  It  is  the  most  abundant  glial  cell in the CNS. Microglial cells are ovoid 
cells  in  the  CNS  that  can  transform  into  a  phagocytic  macrophage  to  clean  neuronal debris 
and  wastes.  Ependymal  cells  are  ciliated  cells  that  line  the  central cavities of the brain and 
the  spinal  cord  and  form  a  fairly  permeable  membrane  between  the  cavities  with 
cerebrospinal  fluid  and  the  tissues  of  CNS.  Oligodendrocytes  are  responsible  for  the 
production of the myelin sheath.  
 
In  the  PNS,  satellite  cells  surround  the cell body of a neuron, and Schwann cells surround 
all the nerve fibers and produce myelin sheath similar to the oligodendrocytes. 
 

Fig. 2.2.9. Neuroglia or glial cells in the peripheral nervous system 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  18 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

Remember 
The  structure  and  form  of  the  tissues  in  animals  are  always  related 
to their functions.  
 
Epithelial  tissues  are  made  up  of  tightly  packed cells because they 
cover  and  protect  bodily  structures.  Connective  tissues  are 
characterized  by  the  presence  of ground substances and fibers that 
support,  bind,  and  protect  organs.  Muscular  tissues  are  made  up 
of  highly  specialized  cells  that  contract  to  cause  movement.  Lastly, 
nervous  tissues  mainly  contain  networks  of  nerve  cells  that 
possess  irritability  and  conductivity  to  allow  the  transmission  and 
reception of electrochemical impulses.  

Key Points 
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
● There  are  different levels of biological organization, and these include the following 
(lowest  to  highest):  chemical,  organelle,  cell,  tissue,  organ,  organ  system, 
organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.  
● Animals  have  four  types  of  tissue:  epithelial  tissue,  connective  tissue,  muscle 
tissue, and nervous tissue. They all differ significantly in structures and functions.  
● Epithelial  tissue  is  composed  of  tightly  packed  cells  that  cover,  line,  and  protect 
the  body  part.  It  can  be  classified  based  on  cell  arrangement  (simple,  stratified, 
pseudostratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar). 
● Connective  tissue  is  made  up  of  cells  and  an  extracellular  matrix  that  connects, 
protects,  and  supports  body  parts.  Bone,  cartilage,  dense  connective  tissue,  loose 
connective tissue, and blood are the types of connective tissue. 
● Muscular  tissue  is  composed  of  highly  specialized  muscle  cells  that  contract  to 
produce movement. It has three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. 
● Nervous  tissue  is  made  up  of  neurons  that  receive  and  conduct  electrochemical 
signals and supporting cells (glial cells) that support, protect, and insulate neurons.  
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  19 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

  Check Your Understanding 


 

A. Identify  the  level  of  biological  organization  described  in  the  items 
 
below.  

1. a group of organs that coordinate to perform a specific function  


2. butterflies of the same species living in the same area  
3. atoms and molecules interacting with one another  
4. plants and animals interacting with their environment  
5. a group of cells that performs a specialized function in the body  
 

B. Identify the type of animal tissue described in the items below.    

1. with extracellular matrix made up of ground substance and fibers  


2. classified based on cell shape and arrangement  
3. composed of cells that conduct electrochemical signals  
4. can be uninucleated or multinucleated, and striated or non-striated  
5. attached to a basement membrane   

C. Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer.  

1. Which of the following tissue types is found in the linings of blood vessels?  
A. epithelial tissue 
B. connective tissue 
C. muscle tissue 
D. nervous tissue 
 
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of connective tissues? 
A. apical surface  
B. basement membrane 
C. ground substance 
D. supporting cell 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  20 
 
 
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 
 

3. What  type of animal tissue is involved when food moves from the esophagus to the 
stomach? 
A. epithelial tissue 
B. cardiac muscle 
C. skeletal muscle 
D. smooth muscle 
 
4. Which of the following is a function of nervous tissues?  
A. connects different tissues and organs in the body 
B. protects the surfaces of the body 
C. responds to stimulus from the environment 
D. stores substances like water and ions 
 
5. Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  function  of  goblet  cells  in  the  columnar 
epithelium of the respiratory tract? 
A. It forms networks of fibers that cushions the lungs.   
B. It produces mucus to protect the linings of organs.  
C. It facilitates the outward movement of debris that may enter the lungs. 
D. It transmits impulses that control breathing.  
 

D. Answer the following questions in 2–3 sentences.    

1. Describe  the  importance  of  the layering cells to the normal functioning of stratified 


squamous epithelial tissues.   
2. Compare  and  contrast  areolar  tissue  and  ligament  in  terms  of  structure  and 
function.  
3. Describe  the  muscle  tissue  of  the  small  intestine  based  on  its  structure  and 
function. 
4. Compare and contrast bone and cartilage in terms of structure and function. 
5. Discuss the importance of nervous tissue in the human body.  
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  21 
 
 

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 


 

  Challenge Yourself 
 

A. Answer the following questions.  

1. Explain why the epidermis of the skin can exfoliate and regrow easily.  
2. Polar  bears  have  a  thick  adipose  tissue  layer.  What  is  the  importance of this tissue 
in the survival of polar bears during the winter season?  
 

B. Answer the following questions.  

3. What  specific  type  of  epithelium  is best suitable for the function of capillaries? Why 


did you say so? 
4. Several  connective  tissue  types  function  for  support  and  protection.  What  specific 
type  of  connective  tissue  is  best  suited  to  support  and  protect  growing  delicate 
organs like the brain of a fetus? Why did you say so?  
 
 

5. Construct  a  table  to  differentiate  the  three  types  of  muscle 


tissue  based  on  the  location,  number  of  the  nucleus, 
striations, and movement.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  22 
 
 

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 


 

  Bibliography 
Campbell, Neil A. 2009. Biology (8th Edition). French Forest: Pearson Benjamin Cummings. 
 
Campbell,  Neil  A.,  Michael  L. Cain, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, and Steven 
Alexander  Wasserman. Biology:  a  Global  Approach.  Harlow,  Essex,  England:  Pearson 
Education Limited, 2018. 
 
Mader, Sylvia S. 2011. Concepts of Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill. 
 
Madigan,  Michael  T.,  Kelly  S.  Bender,  Daniel  H.  Buckley,  W.  Matthew.  Sattley,  and  David  A. 
Stahl. Brock  Biology  of  Microorganisms.  Harlow,  United  Kingdom:  Pearson  Education 
Limited, 2017. 
 
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon. Human Anatomy & Physiology. New York: Pearson Education, 2004. 
 

 
 

 
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells  23 
 

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