Cell Specialisation Flashcards

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1
Q

What is cell specialisation?

A

The process by which cell develop unique structures and functions to perform roles with an organism

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2
Q

What is the importance of specialised cells?

A

More efficient functioning and supports multicellular life by enabling division

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3
Q

What is an example of a specialised cell?

A

Muscle cells
Specialised for contraction
Nerve cells
Adapted for signal transmission

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4
Q

What is the function of red blood cells?

A

Transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues

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5
Q

How are red blood cells specialised to their function?

A

Biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange
Lack of nucleus maximises space for hemoglobin

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6
Q

What is the function of white blood cells?

A

Protect the body against infections and unknown invaders

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7
Q

What are the types of white blood cell?

A

Lymphocytes
Neutrophils
Macrophages

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8
Q

How are white blood cells specialised to their function?

A

Have a nucleus
Can change shape to engulf pathogens(phagocytes)

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9
Q

What is the function of platelets?

A

Assist in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding

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10
Q

How are platelets specialised for their function?

A

Small cell fragments without a nucleus
Release chemicals to initiate clotting

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11
Q

What is the function of a palisade cell?

A

Primary site of photosynthesis in leaves

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12
Q

How are palisade cells specialised to their function?

A

Contains many chloroplasts
Elongated shape to absorb max light

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13
Q

What is the function of a root hair cell?

A

Absorb water and minerals from soils

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14
Q

How are root hair cells specialised to their function?

A

Long thin root hairs 9increasing the surface area for absorption

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15
Q

What is the function of a xylem cell?

A

Transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves

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16
Q

How are xylem cells specialised to their function?

A

Hollow tube like structure
Lignin strengthens walls and prevents collapse under water pressure

17
Q

What is the function of a Phloem cell?

A

Transports sugars and other nutrients from leaves to the rest of the plant

18
Q

How are Phloem cells specialised to their function?

A

Sieve tube elements lack nuclei
Sieve plates for efficient flow
Companion cells support metabolic needs

19
Q

What is the function of sperm cells?

A

Male gametes involved in fertilisation of the egg(ovum)

20
Q

How are sperm cells specialised to their function?

A

Flagellum for mobility
Many mitochondria to provide energy for swimming
Acrosome contains enzymes to penetrate the ovum membrane

21
Q

What is the function of egg cells?

A

Female gametes that combine with sperm during fertilisation to form a zygote

22
Q

How are egg cells specialised to their function?

A

Large cell with nutrient reserves for early development of the embryo
Zona pellucid around egg prevents polyspermy