Cells differentiate because they need to become specialized. which is an not example below of how specialized cells have unique structure and function nerve cells have dendrites and axons, giving them a “pathway-like” shape which can be used to send and receive signals. bacteria cells are small in size in order to easily diffuse in and out of the cytoplasm. muscle tissue is shaped differently than skin tissue because muscle cells have to expand and contract. eyes are composed of rod and cone cells which change shape to allow light to move in and out of cells.