4.11 Specialised Cells & Differentiation

Question 1

Define ‘differentiation’

Answer 1

‘Differentiation’ is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised.

Question 2

Explain how a sperm cell is adapted for its role. (6)

Answer 2

• Its role is to deliver genetic material to an egg cell to fertilise it.
• It has half as much genetic material as a normal cell, so that the sperm and egg together will have the normal amount.
• It has lots of mitochondria to provide the energy for movement.
• It has a flagellum to allow it to swim to reach the egg.
• It is streamlined to make swimming easier.
• It has digestive enzymes in its head to break through the wall of the egg.

Question 3

Heart muscle tissue has to be able to beat continually without stopping. What adaptation would you expect heart cells to have?

Answer 3

A large number of mitochondria.