Plant cell specialisation + Microscopes Flashcards
State some specialised cells in plants
root hair cells, xylem and phloem cells in plants.
State the function of the root hair
The function of the root hair cell is to absorb water and mineral ions from the soil
State the adaptations of the root hair cells
the root hair
Do not contain chloroplasts
Large permanent vacuole
Many mitochondria
Explain how the root hair helps the root hair cell to carry out its function
The root hair increases the surface area available for water to move into the cell by osmosis.
Explain how having no chloroplasts helps the root hair cell to carry out its function
Root hair cells do not contain chloroplasts, because they are underground (photosynthesis requires light)
they are underground
cannot absorb light
cannot photosynthesise (As photosunthesis requires light)
Explain how having a large permanent vacuole helps the root hair cell to carry out its function
Root hair cells have a permanent vacuole that speeds up the movement of water by osmosis from the soil across the root hair cell
Explain how having many mitochondria helps the root hair cell to carry out its function
Root hair cells have many mitochondria that transfer the energy needed for the active transport of mineral ions into the root hair cells.
Where are xylem found in a plant
Xylem are found in the plant’s stem.
What do the xylem cells form
The xylem cells form long tubes.
State the function of the xylem
Xylem is a transport tissue in plants that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves
xylem form long tubes which carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves
State the adaptations of xylem cells
Thick walls containing lignin
The end walls between the cells have broken down.
The cells are dead, without any sub-cellular structures.
Explain how having very thick walls containing lignin helps the xylem cells to carry out its function
How do xylem cells die
Xylem cells have very thick walls containing lignin. This provides support to the plant
Because the cell walls are sealed with lignin, this causes the xylem cells to die.
Explains how the end walls between the cells have broken down helps the xylem cell to carry out its function
The end walls between the cells have broken down. This means that the cells now form a long, hollow tube so water and dissolved minerals can flow easily.
Explain how having no sub-cellular structures helps the xylem cell to carry out its function
Xylem cells have got no nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuole or chloroplasts. That makes it easier for water and minerals to flow
State the function of the phloem cell
The function of the phloem is to carry dissolved sugars from the leaves around the plant
carry dissolved sugars up and down the plant
State the two types of cell phloem consists of
Phloem vessel cell
Companion cell
State the adaptation of the phloem cell
cell walls break down to form sieve plates
Phloem cells have companion cells
Explain how the cell walls break down to form sieve plates helps the phloem cell to carry out its function
Phloem vessel cells have no nucleus and only limited cytoplasm
The end walls of the phloem vessel cells have pores called sieve plates. These features allow dissolved sugars to move through the cell interior
