Cell Differentiation and Specialisation Flashcards
What is differentiation?
It is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job.
What are undifferentiated cells called?
They are called stem cells.
What are sperm cells specialised for?
They are specialised for reproduction.
What is the function of a sperm?
To get the male DNA to the female DNA.
Describe the features of a sperm cell?
It has a long tail and a streamlined head to help it swim to the egg. There is also a lot of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed. It also carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
What are nerve cells specialised for?
They are specialised for rapid signalling.
What is the function of a nerve cell?
To carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
Describe the features of a nerve cell?
They are long to cover more distance and have branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body.
What are muscle cells specialised for?
They are specialised for contraction.
What is the function of a muscle cell?
To contract quickly.
Describe the features of a muscle cell?
They are long so that they have space to contract and contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction.
What are root hair cells specialised for?
They are specialised for absorbing water and minerals.
Describe the features of a root hair cell?
They are cells on the surface of plant roots, which grow into long ‘hairs’ that stick out the soil. This gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?
They are specialised for transporting substances.
What are the features of phloem and xylem cells?
They form phloem and xylem tubes which transport substances like 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 have very few subcellular structures so that stuff can flow through them.
