Cell Specialisation Flashcards
What is cell specialisation?
The process by which cell develop unique structures and functions to perform roles with an organism
What is the importance of specialised cells?
More efficient functioning and supports multicellular life by enabling division
What is an example of a specialised cell?
Muscle cells
Specialised for contraction
Nerve cells
Adapted for signal transmission
What is the function of red blood cells?
Transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues
How are red blood cells specialised to their function?
Biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange
Lack of nucleus maximises space for hemoglobin
What is the function of white blood cells?
Protect the body against infections and unknown invaders
What are the types of white blood cell?
Lymphocytes
Neutrophils
Macrophages
How are white blood cells specialised to their function?
Have a nucleus
Can change shape to engulf pathogens(phagocytes)
What is the function of platelets?
Assist in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding
How are platelets specialised for their function?
Small cell fragments without a nucleus
Release chemicals to initiate clotting
What is the function of a palisade cell?
Primary site of photosynthesis in leaves
How are palisade cells specialised to their function?
Contains many chloroplasts
Elongated shape to absorb max light
What is the function of a root hair cell?
Absorb water and minerals from soils
How are root hair cells specialised to their function?
Long thin root hairs 9increasing the surface area for absorption
What is the function of a xylem cell?
Transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves
How are xylem cells specialised to their function?
Hollow tube like structure
Lignin strengthens walls and prevents collapse under water pressure
What is the function of a Phloem cell?
Transports sugars and other nutrients from leaves to the rest of the plant
How are Phloem cells specialised to their function?
Sieve tube elements lack nuclei
Sieve plates for efficient flow
Companion cells support metabolic needs
What is the function of sperm cells?
Male gametes involved in fertilisation of the egg(ovum)
How are sperm cells specialised to their function?
Flagellum for mobility
Many mitochondria to provide energy for swimming
Acrosome contains enzymes to penetrate the ovum membrane
What is the function of egg cells?
Female gametes that combine with sperm during fertilisation to form a zygote
How are egg cells specialised to their function?
Large cell with nutrient reserves for early development of the embryo
Zona pellucid around egg prevents polyspermy
