Cell differentiation and Specialisation Flashcards
Why do cells differentiate?
To become specialised.
What is differentiation?
The process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job.
What happens as cells change?
They develop different subcellular structures and turn into different types of cells.
When is the ability to differentiate lost in animal cells?
At an early stage, after they become specialised.
Do plants ever lose the ability to differentiate?
No.
What are cells that differentiate in mature animals used for?
Repairing and replacing cells, such as skin or blood cells.
What are undifferentiated cells called?
Stem cells.
What are sperm cells specialised for?
Reproduction.
What are nerve cells specialised for?
Rapid signalling.
What are muscle cells specialised for?
Contraction.
What are root hair cells specialised for?
Absorbing water and minerals.
What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?
Transporting substances.
What is the function of sperm cells and how are they adapted to their environment?
To get the male DNA to the female DNA. 1. Has a long tail and a streamlined head to help it swim to the egg. 2. Lot of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed. 3. Carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
What is the function of nerve cells and how are they adapted to their environment?
To carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another. 1. The cells are long (to cover more distance), 2. Have branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and from a network throughout the body.
What is the function of muscle cells and how are they adapted to their environment?
To contract quickly. 1. The cells are long (so they have space to contract) and 2. They contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction.
How are root hair cells adapted to their environment?
Cells on the surface of plant roots, which grow into long “hairs” that stick out into the soil. This gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
How are phloem and xylem cells adapted to their environment?
They form phloem and xylem tubes, which transport substances such as food and water around plants. To form the tubes, the cells are long and joined end to end. Xylem cells are hollow in the centre and phloem cells have very few sub-cellular structures, so that stuff can flow through them.
