Plant Cell Specialisation Flashcards
what is the function of a root hair cell
to absorb water and dissolved minerals
how is the root hair cell adapted
large surface area: increases the rate of absorption
no chloroplasts: underground, therefore have no sunlight, cant carry out photosynthesis, therefore do not need them + not having chloroplasts allows energy to be dedicated to absorption
what is the function of the xylem
carry water + dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves
how is the xylem adapted
thick walls containing lignin: provides support to plant to withstand pressure changes as water passes through, however lignin causes xylem cells to die
end walls between cells are completely broken down: cells form long tube so water and minerals can flow easily
no internal structures (nucleus, cytoplasm etc): makes it easier for water to flow uninterrupted
what is the function of the phloem
carry dissolved sugars up and down the plant
what are the adaptations of the phloem cells
no nucleus + limited cytoplasm: to maximise space for transport of sugars, however limited cytoplasm means no mitochondria so phloem cells have companion cells which are connected by pores, mitochondria in the companion cells provide energy for the phloem cells
what are sieve plates in phloem
disintegrated parts of phloem cell walls that allow for the movement of sugars
