B2.1.5 - Cell differentiation Flashcards
What is differentiation?
It is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job
What happens when a cell becomes specialised?
Its structure changes so that is better adapted to perform its function
Give examples of specialised cells that only perform one function?
Body:Nerve cells, red blood cells and fat cells
Plants: Root cells and leaf palisade cells
How does a flagellum (tail) help sperm cells?
It whips from side to side to propel the sperm to the ovum
How does lots of mitochondria helps sperm cells?
Respiration occurs in the mitochondria and reactions of respiration transfers energy from chemical stores so they flagellum can move
How do acrosomes help sperm cells?
It stores digestive enzymes which break down the outer layers of the ovum to allows the sperm to transfer its genetic material
What are fat cells?
They are cells that can be used a store of energy, enabling an animal to survive when food is short
How are fat cells important to some animals??
It produces them with insulation and are used to form a protective layer around some organs such as the heart
Why is there no nuclei in red blood cells?
So that there is space to contain more haemoglobin molecules
How are biconcave discs important to red blood cells?
They are pushed in from both sides form a biconcave shape, which increase the surface area to volume ration speeding up the diffusion of oxygen into the cells and CO2 out of the cell
How does haemoglobin help red blood cells?
This proteins binds to oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin . This is bright red in appearance
