Specialized Cells Interactive

Engage your students with a fun, point‑and‑click interactive!

Explore how unspecialized cells differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types
Learn how changes in size, shape, and internal structure support different cell functions
Investigate real examples: red blood cells, plant vascular cells, nerve cells, and more
Consider medical or biological implications of cell specialization (e.g., how certain shapes help nutrient absorption)

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Launch Simulation

Learning objectives

Identify how the structure of differentiated cells in part determines their function

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Concepts covered

Cell differentiation, specialization, hierarchical organization, cell structure-function relationship, organelles, tissue specialization

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Resources

Standards

MS‑LS1‑2 - Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the cell functioning as a whole system and the primary role of identified parts of the cell, such as the nucleus, cell membrane, and mitochondria.]
[Assessment Boundary: Assessment of organelle structure/function relationships is limited to the cell membrane and nucleus.]

HS‑LS1‑1 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

HS‑LS1‑2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

HS‑LS1‑3 - Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.

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Specialized Cells Interactive

Learning objectives

Concepts covered

Resources

Standards

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