Cell Specialization/Differentiation Flashcards
cells designed to carry out a particular role in the body
specialized cells
the process by which generic cells change into specific cells meant to do certain tasks within the body.
cell specialization/differentiation
the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, they divide to form more cells called daughter cells. (undifferentiated cell)
stem cells
Specialized cells in animals that carry oxygen around the body, which is needed for respiration. They are well suited to this function because:
- They contain __________, which carries oxygen molecules.
- They don’t have a ___________ (when matured), allowing more space to carry oxygen.
- They are a flat disc shape with dips on both sides (___________). This gives them a large surface area, and the best chance of absorbing as much oxygen as they can in the lungs. (also to be able to _________ - flexibility)
Red blood cells or erythrocyte
- hemoglobin
- nucleus
- biconcave
- squeeze
These are cells of the immune system designed to detect pathogens and remove them from the body to prevent and clear up infections.
- __________ shape
- can produce ________ and _____________
White blood cells/leukocytes
- irregular
- antibodies, anti toxins
specialized cells in animals that are made in the testes after puberty to fertilize an egg cell. They join with an egg cell during fertilisation to form an embryo which can then develop into a new life. The following features make them well suited to this function:
- A _____ moves them towards an egg cell. (to swim)
- Many _____________ release energy for movement.
- Part of the tip of the head of the sperm, called the _________, releases enzymes to digest the egg membrane to allow fertilization to take place.
- The _________________ contains the genetic material for fertilization.
-produced in ___________ to increase the chance of fertilisation.
Sperm cell
- tail
- mitochondria
- acrosome
- haploid (23 chromosome) nucleus
- large numbers
Specialized cells in animals that are made in the ovaries before birth and its function is to carry genetic materials. Usually, one is released each month during the menstrual cycle, but sometimes this number may be higher. They join with a sperm cell during fertilization to form an embryo which can then develop into a new life. They are well suited to this function because:
- __________________ in size
- A chemical change in the membrane prevents fertilization of _____________
- The cell’s ________ contains nutrients for the growth of the early embryo.
- The _________________ contains the genetic material for fertilization.
egg cells
- large and bulky
- more than one sperm
- cytoplasm
- haploid nucleus
specialized cells in animals that transmit electrical signals in the nervous system (carry nerve impulses through the body). They are well suited to their function because:
- ________ are thin and can be more than ____ meter long in your spinal cord. This means they can carry messages up and down the body over large distances very quickly.
- They have branched connections (_________) at each end. These join with others of the same cells, allowing them to pass messages around the body.
- They have a fatty (_________) sheath that surrounds them. The fatty sheath increases the _________ at which the message can travel.
Neurons (brain cells)
- axon, one
- dendrites
- myelin, speed
Specialized cells in animals that are found in bundles that make up our muscles. These cells are able to contract (get shorter) and relax (return to original length). There are different types of this cell, each perfectly adapted to its function:
- Cardiac (heart)______ contract and relax to pump blood around our bodies for our entire lives. They never get tired.
- Smooth ________ cells make up thin sheets of muscle, such as the stomach lining. They can also be arranged in bundles, or rings, like that in the anus.
Skeletal _______ is joined to bones. Its cells contract to make bones move and joints bend. - they facilitate movement
- elongated and elastic
- numerous mitochondria
Muscle Cells
highly specialized plant cells that form tiny pores called stomata on the leaf surface. The opening and closing of stomata control leaf gas exchange and water transpiration as well as allow plants to quickly respond and adjust to new environmental conditions.
Guard cells
carries important sugars, organic compounds, and minerals around a plant.
phloem
carries important sugars, organic compounds, and minerals around a plant.
phloem
Water and soluble nutrients such as minerals and inorganic ions are transported from the roots to the rest of the plant by the ___________
xylem
fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists. They are of diverse structure and function. Examples are hairs, glandular hairs, scales, and papillae.
trichomes
