SB1c - Specialised Cells Flashcards
What does it mean if most animal cells are specialised?
The have adaptations that help them carry out their particular function
What do scientists call cells becoming specialised?
Differentiation
What is the job of a sperm cell?
To carry out fertilisation
How are sperm cells adapted for fertilisation?
They only have half the genetic info of a normal adult cell, they have a long tail which allows them to swim to the ovum along with their steamlined shape and they are full of mitochondria to provide the energy needed for swimming. They also have enzymes to digest their way through the outer layer of the ovum
What’s the job of a nerve cell?
To send genetic impulses around the body
How are nerve cells adapted for their function?
They have a long axon to carry electrical impulses from one end to another, the axon is wrapped in myelin to insulate the axon and speed up impulse transmission and the cell body of the cell have dendrites so nerve cells can connect easier due to a larger surface area
What are synapses in nerves?
Junctions which allow the impulse to pass from one nerve cell to the other
What is the key feature of muscle cells?
The can contract (get shorter)
How are muscle cells adapted to their function?
They contain protein fibres that change their length and they are full of mitochondria to provide energy for muscle contraction. They also work together to form muscle tissue
About how many different types of specialised cells do humans have?
Around 200
How are cells that line the intestines adapted?
Have membranes with many tiny folds to increase cell surface area to absorb small food molecules quicker
