B1 cell differentiation and specialistation

Question 1

Explain differentiation

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What do cells do to change?

Answer 2

They develop different subcellular structures and turn into different type of cells

Question 3

When does differentiation take place?

Answer 3

As an organism develops

Question 4

Differentiation in Animal cells

Answer 4

In most animal cells the ability to differentiate is then lost at an early stage, after they become specialised

Question 5

Differentiation in plant cells

Answer 5

Most plant cells never loose the ability to differentiate

Question 6

What are sperm specialised for

Answer 6

Sperm cells are specialised for reproduction

Question 7

Explain the function of sperm

Answer 7

To get the male DNA to the female DNA.

Question 8

What are the qualities that sperm cells have

Answer 8

It has a long tail and streamlined head to help swim to the egg. There is a lot of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed. It carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane

Question 9

What are nerve cells specialised for?

Answer 9

Nerve cells are specialised for rapid signalling

Question 10

Explain the function of nerve cells

Answer 10

The function of nerve cells is to carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.

Question 11

What are the qualities that nerve cells have

Answer 11

These cells are long (to cover more distance) and have branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body

Question 12

What are muscle cells specialised for

Answer 12

Muscle cells are specialised for contraction

Question 13

Explain the function of muscle cells

Answer 13

The function of muscle cells is to contract quickly

Question 14

What are the qualities that muscle cells have

Answer 14

These cells are long so that they have space to contract and contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction

Question 15

What are root hair cells specialised for?

Answer 15

Root hair cells are specialised for absorbing water and minerals

Question 16

What is the function of root hair cells?

Answer 16

Absorbs water from the soil by osmosis

Question 17

What are the qualities that root hair cells have

Answer 17

Root hair cells are on the surface of the plant roots, they are like “hairs” that stick into the soil

Question 18

What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?

Answer 18

Phloem and Xylem cells are special ed for transporting substances

Question 19

What is the function of Phloem and xylem cells?

Answer 19

They form phloem and xylem tubes which transport substances such as food and water around plants

Question 20

What qualities do phloem and xylem cells have?

Answer 20

The cells are long and joined end to end, Xylem cells are hollow in the center however phloem cells have very few subcellular structures, so that stuff can flow through them