Cells Flashcards
What are eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells store their genetic material in DNA in chromosomes contained within the nucleus.
What are prokaryotes?
In prokaryotes the genetic material is free flowing as a single DNA loop in the cytoplasm. They may also have small rings of DNA called plasmids.
What are specialised cells?
Cells differentiate to form specialised cells, containing different sub-cellular structures that enable it to carry out particular functions.
What are some examples of specialised animal cells?
Nerve cells: Nerve cells carry electrical impulses around the body, and are very long to better carry charge.
Muscle cells: Muscle cells contract and relax to move body parts. They are adapted to slide over each other.
Sperm cells: Sperm cells carry genetic information to fertilise eggs. They have long tails to move through the reproductive system.
What are some examples of specialised plant cells?
Root hair cells: Found at the tips of growing roots, they take in water though their large surface area to feed the plant.
Photosynthetic cells: Photosynthetic cells contain chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll to trap light for photosynthesis.
What are phloem cells?
Phloem is the specialised transport tissue used by plants to transport food made by photosynthesis in the form of sets of tubes.
What are xylem cells?
Xylem is another transport tissue used by plants to carry water and mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant. The cells die purposefully to form long tubes with spirals of lignin to keep them sturdy.
