Cell Specialisation

Question 1

Palisade mesophyll

Answer 1

Function
-Cells in a plant leas that are responsible for photosynthesis
Adaptations
-High density of chloroplasts perform photosynthesis
-Large vacuole and cell wall high in cellulose to take in large volume of water for photosynthesis and support

Question 2

Root hair cell

Answer 2

Function
-Cells in a plant root that are responsible for absorption of water and ions
Adaptations
-Long extension that increases surface area to maximise absorption
-Thin cells walls to reduce diffusion distance
-Vacuole filled with sap lowers water potential to encourage osmosis. Water travels down concentration gradient from the soil to the vacuole

Question 3

Sperm cell

Answer 3

Function
- delivers genetic material from the male to the female reproductive system
Adaptations
- Haploid genome to combine with female genetic information
- loads of mitochondria provide energy to move to undulipodium
-undulipodium acts as a tail
-acrosome in the head of sperm filled with digestive enzyme to digest outer layer of ovum

Question 4

Egg cell

Answer 4

Function
-Receives genetic material from the male and provides nutrients to a developing embryo
Adaptations
- Haploid genome to combine with male genetic material forming a diploid genome
-zona pellucida contains glycoproteins which sperm cells recognise and are drawn to
- corona radiata is a protien heavy layer that provides nutrients for the egg and early embryo