Question

With the help of examples, show the variation in shapes & siges of cells.

Answer 1

• Variation in shape of cells is as follows:
  

(i) Generally, cell’s shapes are rounded, spherical or elongated. Some types of cells are long and pointed at both ends. They exhibit spindle shape. Some types of cells are branched like the nerve cell or a neuron, which receives and transfers messages for helping to control and coordinate the working of different parts of the body.

(ii) Components of the cell are enclosed in a membrane. This membrane provides shape to the cells of plants and animals. Cell wall is an additional covering over the cell membrane in plant cells. It gives shape and rigidity to these cells.

• Variation in size of cells are as follows:
  

(i) The cell’s size in living organisms may be as small as a millionth of a meter (micrometer or micron) or may be as large as a few centimeters.

(ii) Most of the cells are microscopic in size and are not visible to the naked eye. They need to be enlarged or magnified by a microscope for seeing.

(iii) The smallest cell is 0.1 to 0.5 micrometer in bacteria. The largest cell measuring 170 mm ×130 mm, which is the egg of an ostrich.

(iv) The size of the cells has no relation with the size of the body of the animal or plant.