Question

Name the two cells which keep changing their shape?

Answer 1

Cells are the structural and functional unit of life. They help in control and coordination in an organism. Cells can be round, elongated, spherical or spindle shaped.

Complete answer:
The two cell types that can change their shape are:
1. White blood cells (WBCs):- In human blood, white blood cells or leukocytes have the ability to change their form or shape. This allows them to engulf germs and destroy them.They possess a nucleus and lack haemoglobin unlike RBCs. They can destroy infectious agents, cancer cells and produce antibodies against an infectious agent.
White blood cells are part of the immune system and are responsible for tracking and killing pathogens such as bacteria by phagocytosis.
White blood cells circulate in the bloodstream, but are usually required within the tissues at the site of infection. Hence, they must pass through the walls of small blood vessels in order to do this and have to be able to find their way through the tissues which they do by changing their shape.

2. Amoeba: Amoeba is an unicellular organism. With the aid of pseudopodia or false feet which project out from an Amoeba’s body it can adapt to the climate. Amoeba may alter its shape and coil itself into a ball on cold days. The pseudopodia helps it to catch the food and travel from one location to another.

Note: The movement of WBC’s is called Diapedesis which helps them to demonstrate an amoeboid movement. It helps them to move across the blood vessels and perform their function.