Specialisation and stem cells Flashcards
How are red blood cells adapted to their purpose?
They have no nucleus
They have a biconcave disk shape to increase surface area
How are neutrophils adapted to their purpose?
Many organelles for lysosome production
How are epithelia adapted to their purpose?
They are very thin
Some have cilia on the outside
Both give a large surface area
How are sperm cells adapted to their purpose?
They have many mitochondria for energy
Their tail allows them to swim
How are palisade cells adapted to their purpose?
Many chloroplasts in the upper part for photosynthesis
Thin so they can pack in.
How are guard cells adapted to their purpose?
Large vacuole for uptake of water to make turgid
How are Xylem/Phloem adapted to their purpose?
Elongated cells for water/sugar transport
What are the three types of stem cell?
Totipotent - Can mature into any type of cell
Unipotent - Are specialised but can undergo unlimited division
Multipotent - Partly specialised but can form different cell within a related group, e.g. bone marrow stem cells and plant meristems.
How can stem cells be used in medicine?
Can be used to repair tissues without rejection and treat conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers and muscular distrophy.
