12 - Specialised Cells

Question 1

How are palisade cells adapted for photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Lots of chloroplasts near the top

Tall - large surface area for absorbing CO2

Thin - lots fit into leaf

Question 2

In what four ways are guard cells adapted for their job?

Answer 2

Turgid to open stomata when lots of water is in the plant

Flaccid when there is little water

Thin outer walls and thick inner walls to open and close effectively

Light sensitive - close at night when photosynthesis doesn’t happen

Question 3

How are red blood cells adapted to carry oxygen?

Answer 3

Concave shape - surface area to absorb oxygen

Flexible to pass through capillaries

No nucleus - space for haemoglobin

Question 4

How are sperm cells adapted for reproduction?

Answer 4

Long tail and streamline head for swimming

Mitochondria for energy

Enzymes to digest egg membrane

Question 5

How are egg cells adapted for reproduction?

Answer 5

Contains food reserves for embryo

Membrane structure changes so only one sperm can get in

Question 6

Why are red blood cells the shape they are?

Answer 6

Flexible - fit through blood vessels