Final answer:
Eukaryotic cells can have various shapes, influenced by function and environment, with cells in the human body showing diverse forms. Cell shape affects its function, especially in terms of light interception in photosynthetic organisms. Cuboidal cells are cube-shaped with centrally located nuclei and are common in kidney tubules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eukaryotic cells exhibit a vast array of morphologies. The shape of a eukaryotic cell is often influenced by its primary function, the structure of its cytoskeleton, its cytoplasm viscosity, the rigidity of its membrane or cell wall, and external pressures from the environment or adjacent cells. Common cell shapes include spheroid, ovoid, cuboidal, and cylindrical. Such diversity is also notable in human body cells, ranging from the biconcave disc of red blood cells to the polygonal shape of densely packed epithelial cells.
Cell shape is essential for different functions. For example, photosynthetic organisms often have flattened structures to intercept light efficiently, but this doesn't mean that only flat shapes can absorb light adequately. The cost in terms of volume and surface area needed to produce absorptive surfaces differs among shapes such as cuboidal, planar, and filamentous structures.
When describing cells, consider their shapes, arrangements, and characteristics. Cuboidal cells, for instance, are cube-shaped with central nuclei, providing a unique structure for certain tissues like kidney tubules.