B1: Cell differentiation and specialisation

Question 1

differentiation

Answer 1

process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job

Question 2

sperm cell function

Answer 2

To get the male DNA and fertilize the female egg cell which contains female DNA

Question 3

sperm cell adaptation

Answer 3

1. The flagellum enables the sperm to swim to the egg for fertilisation
2. The acrosome in the head contains enzymes so that a sperm can penetrate an egg
3. The sperm cells contains lots of mitochondria to provide energy for the sperm to swim

Question 4

nerve cell function

Answer 4

To carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another

Question 5

nerve cell adaptation

Answer 5

1. Nerve cells have branched connections at each end. These join to other nerve cells, allowing them to pass messages around the body.
2. Nerve cells are very long

Question 6

muscle cell adaptation

Answer 6

contain lots of mitochondria to provide energy needed for contraction

Question 7

root hair cell function

Answer 7

They absorb water and minerals.

Question 8

root hair cell adaptation

Answer 8

A long thin ‘hair’ extends from each cell into the soil increasing the root’s surface area.

Question 9

xylem cells function

Answer 9

They transport water and minerals up the stem to leaves and flowers.

Question 10

phloem cells function

Answer 10

transport sugars and other substances both up and down the stem to leaves, flowers and roots.

Question 11

xylem cells adaptations

Answer 11

hollow in the centre so that stuff can flow through them

Question 12

phloem cells adaptations

Answer 12

have very few subcellular structures so that stuff can flow through them