2.1.6 Specialised cells and stem cells Flashcards
What are the levels of organisation of a multicellular organism in order?
1- organelle
2- specialised cells
3- tissues
4- organs
5- organ systems
6- whole organism
Define specialised
- have specific structure for their specific function
Define differentiation
the process by which a cell becomes specialised for its function.
Define cell
- the basic unit of life
- consists of cellular contents and surrounded by a plasma membrane
Define tissue
- a collection of differentiated cells that work together to perform a specialised function/functions
Define organ
- a collection of tissues that work together to perform a particular function in an organism
Define organ system
a number of organs working together to carry out a major function in the body
Why do multicellular organisms have specialised cells?
- cells do not have to compromise as they divide the labour and can be very effecient at a single job rather than stretched across many roles
How are erythrocytes specialised for their function?
- transport oxygen around the body
- flattened biconcave shape to increase SA:V
- contain Hb to carry oxygen
- no nuclei or many other organelles to have space for more Hb
- flexible to squeeze through narrow capillaries
How are neutrophils specialised for their function?
- type of white blood cell (phagocyte)
- multi-lobed nucleus, easy to squeeze through small gaps and get to site of infection
- granular cytoplasm containing many lysosomes (contain enzymes to attack pathogens)
How are sperm cells specialised for their function?
- male gametes, deliver genetic info to female gametes
- have tail/flagellum to move
- have lots of mitochondria to supply energy to swim
- acrosome on head of sperm contains digestive enzymes to digest protective layers around ovum
- haploid nucleus to restore diploid number of chromosomes at fertilisation
How are palisade cells specialised for their function?
- in mesophyll, contain chloroplast to absorb large amounts of light for photosynthesis
- rectangular box shaped to pack closely to form continous layer
-thin walls to increase rate of diffusion of CO2 - large vacuole to maintain turgor pressure
- chloroplast can move within cytoplasm to absorb more light
How are root hair cells specialised for their function?
- long extensions present at surfaces of roots near growing tips
- they increase SA of cell so maximise uptake of water and minerals from soil
How are guard cells specialised for their function?
- pairs of guard cells found on surfaces of leaves that form small openings called stomata
- openings for CO2 to enter plants for photosynthesis
- cell wall thicker on one side so cell doesnt change shape symmetrically as its volume changes
How do guard cells prevent further water loss?
- when guard cells lose water:
- they become less swollen bc of osmotic forces
- they change shape and stomata closes to prevent further water loss
What are the 4 main categories of tissues in animals?
- epithelial tissue (body surfaces- internal+external)
- nervous tissue (support transmission of electrical impulses
- muscle tissue (adapted to contract)
- connective tissue (adapted to hold other tissues together)
How are squamous epithelium specialised for their function?
- v. thin tissue bc of flat cells that make it up and bc 1 cell thick
- present when rapid diffusion across a surface is needed
- forms lining of lungs and allows rapid diffusion of O2 into blood
How are ciliated epithelium specialised for their function?
- have hair like structures (cilia) on surface that move in rhythmic manner
- ciliated epithilium lines trachea (mucus swept away from lungs)
- goblet cells present which release mucus to trap unwanted particles so stop them reaching alveoli