How does cell shape affect cells function? Please give examples?
The shapes of cells are quite varied with some, such as neurons, being longer than they are wide and others, such as parenchyma (a common type of plant cell) and erythrocytes (red blood cells) being equidimensional. Some cells are encased in a rigid wall, which constrains their shape, while others have a flexible cell membrane (and no rigid cell wall). Red blood for example. In sickle-cell disease, the red blood cells are the incorrect shape and are unable to carry oxygen proporly and are therefore unable to pass through small blood vessels. Eggs (a type of cell) are very large, often being the largest cells an organism produces. The large size of many eggs is related to the process of development that occurs after the egg is fertilized, when the contents of the egg are used in a rapid series of cellular divisions. It requires tremendous energy that only a cell of that size can provide. Hope that helps.
