4 - Cell Differentiation And Specialisation Flashcards
What is differentiation
It is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job.
When a cell changes, what does it develop
It develops different subcellular structures and turn into different types of cells.
When does differentiation occur the most
When an organism develops.
What is the difference between animal and plant cells differentiation ability
Animal cells lose to ability at an early stage whereas plant cells don’t ever lose this ability
What is an undifferentiated cell
It is called a stem cell
What are sperm cells specialised for
They are specialised for reproduction
What is the function of a sperm cell
It’s function is to get the Male DNA to the female DNA
What are the features of a sperm cell to help it swim to the egg
It has a long tail and a streamlined head
What does the sperm cell have a lot of
It has a lot of mitochondria to provide the energy needed
What is in the head of a sperm cell
It has enzymes in its head to digest through the cell membrane
What are nerve cells specialised in
They are specialised for rapid signalling
What is the function of nerve cells
It’s function is to carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another
Why are nerve cells long
They are long to cover more distance
How do nerve cells get along the body
They are long and have branched connections at their end to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body
What are muscle cells specialised for
Muscle cells are specialised for contraction
What is a muscle cells function
It’s function is to contract quickly
Why are muscle cells long
So that they have space to contract
Why do muscle cells contain lots of mitochondria
So the muscle cell can generate the energy needed for contraction
What are root hair cells specialised for
They are specialised for absorbing water and minerals
Where are root hair cells located
It is located on the surface of plant roots that grow into long hairs that stick out into the soil
Why do root hair cells give plants a big surface area
So it can absorb water and mineral ions from the soil
What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for
They are specialised for transporting substances
What do phloem and xylem cells form
They form phloem and xylem tubes which transport substances such as food and water around plants
How are the phloem and xylem tubes formed
The cells are long and joined end to end
How can stuff flow through xylem and phloem cells
Xylem cells are hollow in the centre and phloem cells have very few subcellular structures so that stuff can flow through them
