Cell differentiation and specialisation

Question 1

How do cells become specialised

Answer 1

they differenciate

Question 2

What happens as cells become specialised

Answer 2

• they develop different subcellular structures

- they turn into different types of cells which allows them to carry out specific functions

Question 3

When does most differentiation occur

Answer 3

as an organism develops
in animal cell the ability to differentiate is lost at an early stage
plant cells never lose the ability

Question 4

What are cells that differentiate into mature animals used for

Answer 4

repairing and replacing cells

Question 5

What are undifferentiated cells called

Answer 5

stem cells

Question 6

Name and describe the five types of specialised cells

Answer 6

sperm cells - get male DNA to female DNA - long tail and streamlined head - mitochondria for energy - enzymes to get through egg cell membrane
nerve cells - carry electrical signals - long with branched connections
muscle cells - contract quickly - long - contain lots of mitochondria for energy
root hair cells - long hairs to stick out in soil - big surface area for absorbing mineral ions and water
phloem and xylem cells - transport substances such as food and water around plants - long and joined end to end - xylem are hollow - phloem have very few subcellular structures so stuff can flow through them