Cell Differentiation and Specialisation

Question 1

Which cells in a plant are specialised for absorbing water and minerals form the soil?

Answer 1

Root Hair Cell

Question 2

Where are Root hair cells found?

Answer 2

Surface of plant of plant roots

Question 3

What is the function of a sperm cell?

Answer 3

To transport the male DNA to the female DNA in eggs for reproduction

Question 4

How does the ability to differentiate differ between plant cells and animal cells?

Answer 4

It is lost at an early stage in most animal cells after they have become specialised.
But lots of plant cells don’t ever lose this ability

Question 5

What is the function of xylem cells?

Answer 5

To transport water and minerals up plants.

Question 6

How are xylem cells specialised for this function?

Answer 6

They are specialised for their function because the cells are long and are joined end to end, forming hollow tubes.
This means that substances can flow through them

Question 7

What is the function of a nerve cell?

Answer 7

Carries electrical impulses (signals) form one part of the body to another.

Question 8

How is a nerve cell adapted for its function?

Answer 8

The cell is long and has branched connections at its end to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body.
This allows for rapid signalling

Question 9

Exocrine acinar cells function to produce lots of digestive enzymes (proteins) which are then secreted from the pancreas
Suggest one way that cells may be specialised for their function

Answer 9

E.g. the exocrine acinar cells may contain a large number of ribosome for the synthesis of digestive enzymes.