Specialized cells are cells that have a different structure than the basic cell, a structure which serves a very specific purpose in the body. One example of a specialized cell is a keratinocyte, the cell that makes up 95% of the epidermis.
Keratinocytes begin as stem cells in the lower part of the epidermis. They then differentiate and begin to produce keratin, a structural protein responsible for forming a barrier against environmental damage such as UV rays and parasites. These cells have the normal organelles found in animal cells, producing the keratin proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. The keratinocytes are in stratified squamous rows. After a keratinocyte produces keratin, they turn into corneocytes, cells that have lost their nuclei and organelles, eventually being shed from the skin through desquamation, or shedding of the skin. This process takes around 48-50 days.
The tissue made of keratinocytes is classified as connective tissue, comprising the Integumentary (skin) organ system.
Sources:
http://www.keratinocyte-transfection.com/keratinocytes-and-the-epidermis/
file:///Users/Katrinacoglitore/Downloads/the-basement-membrane-zone--study-notes-.pdf
https://prezi.com/zzdle6chu8fu/organelles-of-a-skin-cell-by-alena-todd/
- Own work
By Mulletsrokk (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Own work
By Mulletsrokk (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
I like the specific examples you give, and I am able to understand the function of the keratinocyte cell thoroughly.
ReplyDeleteI found the diagrams you included helpful, providing a visual of where the cell is located.
ReplyDeleteI like the introductory, that you explained what is specialized cells. And how you smoothly go to the actual theme.
ReplyDeleteI like how you included both a close up, labelled image of the cell as well as a picture of a real, keratinocyte under a magnifying glass.
ReplyDeleteA lot of great numerical facts that I'm disappointed that don't have any.
ReplyDeleteThe order in which you stated all of your facts helped the blog flow and tell a story about the specialized cell, which really helped me as a reader understand the different aspects of the cell as individuals and as a whole.
ReplyDeleteYour post was very informative. I also like how you included your citations within your post as well, very appropriate for an academic setting. Good job!
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