SB1c - Specialized Cells Flashcards
What are specialized cells?
Cells that are designed to do a specific function
How are specialized cells adapted to their specific functions?
They have differences in size, shape and organelles present in the cytoplasm
What is the process which Cells become specialized in?
differentiation
During fertilisation, what is the name given when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell?
a zygote
What are the functions of an egg cell and where can they be found?
Function:
1. Be fertilized by the sperm cell;
2. Support the zygote until it attaches to the womb.
□ Location: found in the ovaries
Name and explain the adaptations of the egg cell. (5)
□ Haploid nucleus – contains one set of 23 chromosomes instead of 2 sets like
other human cells.
□ Jelly coat around the cell membrane – protects the egg cell and allows
fertilisation from only one sperm cell.
o It becomes hard following fertilisation.
□ Cell membrane – also hardens following fertilisation to ensure only one sperm
cell fertilises the egg cell.
□ Cytoplasm– rich in nutrients to support the zygote / embryo until it attaches
to the womb.
□ Large size– can be easily found by the sperm cells.
What is the function of an sperm cell and where can it be found?
□ Function:
Swim towards the female egg cell in order to fertilise it.
□ Location: found in the testes.
Name and explain the adaptations of the sperm cell. (5)
□ Haploid nucleus – contains one set of 23 chromosomes instead of 2 sets like
other human cells.
□ Tail – allows it to swim towards the egg cell.
□ Middle piece (neck) packed with mitochondria– provide energy to the cell so
that it can swim.
□ Enzymes in acrosome– enzymes break down the jelly coat of the egg cell.
□ Streamlined shape– allows it to swim faster.
What are cilia?
Hair-like structures on the cell membrane
Where can they be found?
they are contained within the Epithelial cells lining the oviducts
Name and explain the adaptations of the small intestine. (5)
□ Contain microvilli – folds in the small intestine that increase the surface area.
o Uptake of nutrients from food is quicker and more efficient.
□ Thin cells – faster movement of substances in and out of the cells (diffusion).
□ Good blood supply – nutrients are taken up and transported to the body
faster.
□ Contain lots of mitochondria – provide energy to push food through in the
small intestine.
How are Red blood cells specialised for their function?
Contain hemoglobin, has a large surface area and
no nucleus to carry more oxygen around the body
How are Nerve cells specialised for their function?
Very long and thin to carry electrical signals faster
How are Fat cells specialised for their function?
Store fat to release a lot of energy.
How are Muscle cells specialised for their function?
Have special proteins that help it contract
How are Epithelial cells specialised for their function?
Have cilia to sweep egg cell towards uterus
How are Palisade cells specialised for their function?
Have many chloroplasts to do more photosynthesis
