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Cells

S.A.M123

Explain how a salivary gland cell is adapted to its function

Salivary gland cells are epithelial cells. There are two broad types: acinar and duct. Acinar are secretory. Acinar cells produce 85% of the proteins required in saliva; they are exocrine. Duct cells are absorptive: they absorb NaCl into the bloodstream, they are endocrine (and a bit exocrine as they secrete the other 15% of proteins). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862875/

The acinar type cells have two shapes (two functional types): spherical and tubular. The spherical ones contain spherical nuclei and secrete thin (serous) fluid. The tubular acini cells have flattened nuclei on the basement membrane and they secrete thicker fluid (mucus). https://histology.medicine.umich.edu/resources/salivary-glands

I don't have the "answer" for your exam board, it's a best effort, will you update this with the model answer when you have a moment? Thank you in advance :smile:

Reply 2

S.A.M123

Thank you so much but here’s an update of the question

Great photo! Do you know whereabouts inside the cell that proteins are made? There are a few clues in the photo. (the black annotation on the cell)

Also, how are the proteins going to be transported out of the cell?

Is a 2/4 mark qu or a 3/6 mark question? (If it's 3/6 then there must be something else to write about that I have not covered here)