Cell Specialisation

Question 1

Name what a spermicide cell is specialised for and three adaptations.

Answer 1

Specialised for reproduction.

• long tail and streamlined head to help it swim to the egg cell.
• lots of mitochondria to provide the energy needed for movement.
• carries enzymes in the head to digest through egg cell membrane.

Question 2

Name what a nerve cell is specialised for and two adaptations.

Answer 2

Nerve cells are specialised for rapid signalling.

• long and thin to cover a large distance.
• have branches at either end to create a network of nerve cells.

Question 3

Name what a muscle cell is specialised for and two adaptations.

Answer 3

Muscle cells are specialised for quick contraction.

• the cells are long (more space to contract)
• contain lots of mitochondria for the energy required for contraction.

Question 4

Name what a root hair cell is specialised for and one adaptation.

Answer 4

Specialised for absorbing water and minerals from the soil.

- Long hairs give a large surface area to absorb water and mineral ions.

Question 5

Name what Phloem and Xylem cells are specialised for and adaptations.

Answer 5

Specialised for transporting substances.

• The cells are long and joined at each end to create hollow tubes.
• Xylem cells are hollow and have very few sub cellular structures to allow water to pass through easily.