B1, Cells, Cell differentiation and specialisation Flashcards
what is cell differentiation
the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job
what is the name of undifferentiated cells
stem cells
name 6 specialised cells
muscle cells sperm cells nerve cells root hair cells phloem and xylem cells
what is the function of nerve cells
to carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another
what is the function of muscle cells
to contract quickly
what is the function of root hair cells
to absorb minerals and ions from the soil
what are root hair cells specialised for
absorbing water and minerals
sperm cells specialised for
reproduction
name 3 specialisations of sperm cells
long tail and streamlined head to help it swim to the egg
lots of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed
carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane
name 2 specialisations of nerve cells
long to cover more distance
branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body
what are root hair cells
cells on the surface of plant roots which grow into long “hairs” that stick out into the soil.
why are muscle cells long
so they have space to contract
how are phloem and xylon tubes formed
phloem and xylon cells are long and joined end to end, creating tubes
what do phloem and xylon do
transport substances such as food and water around plants
are xylem or phloem tubes hollow
xylem, so stuff can flow through them
