give an example of a type of cell in a living organism (animal or plant) that is shaped very differently than the classical round or boxy shape that you see drawn in introductory textbook chapters on cells. explain how that unique shape is tied to the function that those cells perform

The simple columnar epithelium cells are different from the classical cells because they have fingerlike projections on their apical surface. These modifications are known as microvilli and increase the absorption area.

Cells' morphology correlates with their function. Those who intervene in tissues' secretion or absorption processes compose the simple columnar epithelium.

The single-layered, columnar epithelium is formed by cells that are taller than wider. It lines the interior surface of hollow or tubular organs such as the digestive tract and the uterus.

These cells are an example of an animal cell that is shaped very differently than the classical round or boxy shaped cells.

What is different about them is that their sides are not equal. Their apical surface differes in shape from their basal surface. Also, the distribution of the organelles differes.

The simple columnar epithelium cells often present fingerlike projections in their apical surface, lining the organ's lumen. These modifications are known as microvilli.

When many of these cells align together in the epithelium, they look like a brush. In fact, the side of the tissue composed of these extensions is known as brush-border.  

These rounded projections increase the cell surface area and turn to be highly effective in absorption and secretion functions. They allow more substances to interchange between the cells and the environment.  

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The cell of amoeba is shaped differently than the classical round or boxy shape seen in textbooks.

Explanation:

Amoebas are unicellular organisms i.e consisting of a single cell. The amoebic cell can change its shape due to pseudopods. Pseudopods are structures in the amoeba that allow movement of the cell as well as help the amoeba to trap food by engulfing the particles. The species of amoeba are differentiated based on pseudopods. Amoeba also possess contractile vacuoles that helps it to get rid of the extra water.

that scientist would be robert hooke