Cell specialisation Flashcards
What function are sperm cells specialised to carry out?
for reproduction - they need to get the male DNA to the female DNA
How are sperm cells specialised to carry out their function?
Long tail and a streamlined head - these help it swim to the egg
Lot’s of mitochondria in the cell - to provide the energy needed to swim
Carries enzymes in its head - to digest through the egg cell membrane
What function are nerve cells specialised to carry out?
Rapid signalling - carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another (fast)
How are nerve cells specialised for their function?
Long - to cover more distance
Have branched connections at their ends - to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body
Fatty/myelin sheaths - insulate so allow more efficient & quick transfer of electrical signals
What is the function that muscle cells are specialised for?
Contraction - to contract quickly
How are muscle cells specialised for their function?
Long - have space to contract
Contain lot’s of mitochondria - to generate energy needed for contraction
What function are root hair cells specialised for?
Absorbing water and minerals
How are root hair cells for their function?
They’re cells on the surface of plant roots which grow into long ‘hairs’ that stick out into the soil which gives the plants a bigger surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
What do phloem cells form?
phloem tubes
What is the function of a phloem tube?
transport substances like food and water around the plant
How are phloem cells/tubes specialised for their function?
sieves -filter
very few sub-cellular structures - stuff can flow through them
What do xylem cells form?
xylem tubes
What is the function of a xylem tube?
transport substances like food and water around the plant
How are xylem cells/tubes specialised for their function?
hollow centre - stuff can flow through them
