B2.1.5 - Cell Differentation

Question 1

What happens when cells differentiate

Answer 1

They become specialised to perform a particular job.

Question 2

Sperm cell

Answer 2

Specialised to transfer genetic material from the male to the ovum.
Adaptions :
Flagellum - allows for quick movement
Lots of mitochondria - lots of energy (sourced from respiration) required to allow flagellum to move, so lots of mitochondria required
Acrosome - stores digestive enzymes which break down the outer layers of the ovum to allow thr soerm to transfer and incorporate its genetic material

Question 3

Fat cells

Answer 3

Specialised to store fat - this can be used as a store of energy, enabling an animal to survive when food is short.
Also provides insulation to animals
Adaptions:
Small layer of cytoplasm surrounding a fat reservoir - allows them to expand up to 1000x their original size with fat.

Question 4

Red blood cell

Answer 4

Specialised to transport oxygen around the body
Adaptions:
Biconcave shape - increases SA:V ratio - speeds up diffusion of oxygen into cell and CO2 out of cell
Packed full haemoglobin - this protein binds to oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin which is bright red - transports oxygen around the body
No nucleus - space to contain more haemoglobin

Question 5

Cilated cells

Answer 5

In airways
In between these cells are goblet cells which produces a sticky mucus - traps dirt and bacteria
Cilia (tiny hairs) - sweep mucus away from lungs to the back of the throat

Question 6

Palisade cells

Answer 6

Specialised for carrying out photosynthsks
Found near surface of leaf and are packed full of chloroplasts
Adaptions:
Regular shape to allow close packing within the leaf - maximises absorption of sunlight