Differentiation and specialized cells Flashcards
What specialized cells are, Their characteristics, Define differentiation, How cells become specialized and list the functions of some cells.
What are specialized cells?
Specialized cells are cells that make up the body which have specific tasks and functions.
e.g. sperm cells, muscles cells, nerve cells, root hair cell, xylem cell etc.
What is the function of the sperm cell?
To carry genetic material to an egg in order to fertilize it.
List the parts or structures of a sperm cell and their function
Nucleus: contains genetic material
Digestive enzymes: To break a hole into the egg in order for it to fertilize.
Flagellum: Acts as a propeller. Allows the cell to swim through the uterus.
Mitochondria: Provides energy for the sperm to swim.
State one adaptation of a sperm cell.
line like shape to help it move through the uterus.
What are the functions of the blood cell?
To carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout our body.
State the function of the xylem.
To transport water from roots to stems and leaves. It also transports nutrients.
List the function of the root hair cell.
To absorb water and minerals from the soil.
What is the function of the nerve cell
To receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body.
What is differentiation?
Differentiation is the process of changing a stem cell into a specialized cell.
How does a Zygote turn into a specialized cell?
When the sperm cell and egg fertilize it forms a zygote. The single fertilized egg cell then divides into two by a process called mitosis and that two divides into four and so on. At this point the cells are all identical and eventually undergo differentiation to become specialized cells.
