Question

As a novice biology student, I have seen a lot of pictorial representations of cells, from a generalised basic eukaryotic cell to specialized forms. But is it right to visualize a cell as a 3D sphere?

Answer 1

Cell shape can vary depending on the type and function of the cell. It is not accurate to visualize all cells as 3D spheres, as they can have different shapes influenced by various factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The shape of a cell can vary depending on its type and function. While many cells are depicted as 3D spheres for simplicity, it is important to note that cells can have various shapes. Some examples include spheroid, ovoid, cuboidal, cylindrical, flat, and polygonal shapes, among others. The shape of a cell is influenced by factors such as its primary function, cytoskeleton organization, viscosity of cytoplasm, cell membrane or cell wall rigidity, and environmental pressure.