Cell specialisation and differentiation Flashcards
Job of a sperm cell
contains genetic information and an enzyme to help penetrate the egg cell membrane. The middle section is packed with mitochondria for energy. The tail moves the sperm to the egg.
What is a xylem cell?
xylem moves water and solutes from the roots to the leaves
Job of a nerve cell
Carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
What is the function of a muscle cell?
To contract quickly
What is a phloem cell?
phloem moves food substances from leaves to the rest of the plant. Structure: rows of cells that make continuous tubes running the full length of the plant.
What is Differentiation?
Differentiation is the process of the identical cells becoming a defined part of the organism.
Why is differentiation important?
They become specialised for a particular function and cannot change into different types of cells. In mature animals, cell division is mainly restricted to replacement and repair. On the other hand, many plant cells keep the ability to differentiate.
Similar cells are grouped into?
Tissues which carry out a similar function.
What is a collection of different tissues that work together to carry out the same function called?
An organ
What are a range of cellular structures called?
Organelles, which are like cell machinery. an example of an organelle is mitochondria, nuclei
What is photosynthesis?
The process of using light energy from the sun to make food
What are plasmids?
Genetic structures in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes, typically a small circular DNA strand in the cytoplasm of a bacterium
Give a feature of a Phloem cell that makes it specialised for its function
Has very few subcellular structures so that stuff can flow through them.
Give a feature that a xylem cell has that makes it specialised for its function.
They are hollow in the centre so that stuff can flow through them
Describe how a root hair cell is specialised for its function.
A root hair cell has a large SA to V ratio so that it can easily absorb water and minerals from the soil.
What is a stem cell?
An undifferentiated cell that can divide to produce lots more undifferentiated cells.
How can stem cells be used to preserve rare plant species?
Cells in the meristems (parts of the plant where growth occurs) can differentiate into any type of plant cell.
Meaning they can be used to produce clones
How do stem cells help farmers?
They can be used to grow crops of identical plants that have desired features for farmers e.g disease resistance
Why are some people against Stem cell research?
As they feel the human embryos shouldn’t be used for experiments since each one is a potential human life.
Name 3 ways a sperm cell is adapted for its job
Long tail and streamlined head to swim fast.
Lots of mitochondria to provide energy needed
Carries enzymes to digest through the egg cell membrane,
How are muscle cells adapted
Long so they have space to contract
Contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction.
Nerve cell adaptations
Long to cover distance and have branched connection at their ends to connect to other nerve cells to form a network throughout the body.
Word Equation for photosynthesis:
Carbon dioxide + water ~~~light» glucose +oxygen
Symbol equation for photosynthesis:
6CO2 + 6H2O —light»> C6H12O6 + 6O2
