Cell Differentiation & Specialisation Flashcards
What is cell differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for a specific function.
When does most cell differentiation occur?
Most differentiation occurs as an organism develops.
What happens to the ability to differentiate in most animal cells?
In most animal cells, the ability to differentiate is lost at an early stage after they become specialised.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become specialised.
What is the function of sperm cells?
The function of a sperm cell is to deliver male DNA to the female DNA.
What adaptations do sperm cells have?
Sperm cells have a long tail for swimming, a streamlined head, many mitochondria for energy, and enzymes in the head to digest the egg cell membrane.
What is the function of nerve cells?
Nerve cells carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
What adaptations do nerve cells have?
Nerve cells are long and have branched connections to form a network throughout the body.
What is the function of muscle cells?
Muscle cells are specialised for quick contraction.
What adaptations do muscle cells have?
Muscle cells are long and contain many mitochondria to generate energy for contraction.
What is the function of root hair cells?
Root hair cells absorb water and minerals from the soil.
What adaptations do root hair cells have?
Root hair cells grow into long ‘hairs’ to increase surface area for absorption.
What is the function of phloem and xylem cells?
Phloem and xylem cells transport substances such as food and water around plants.
What adaptations do phloem and xylem cells have?
Phloem and xylem cells are long and joined end to end; xylem cells are hollow, while phloem cells have few subcellular structures.
Do all cells contain the same subcellular structures?
Not all cells contain all subcellular structures; it depends on their function.
