Specialised Cells

Question 1

What is a specialised cell?

Answer 1

A cell with a specific function

Question 2

Name 2 ways in which specialises cells differ:

Answer 2

1. Size
2. Structure

Question 3

What do specialised cells have to carry out their function?

Answer 3

Adaptations

Question 4

What is the function of a sperm cell?

Answer 4

The male gamete (sex cell) —> moves through the female reproductive system to the egg cell so they can reproduce

Question 5

Name 4 adaptations of a sperm cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 5

1. Acrosome —> contains digestive enzymes which help break down jelly layer of egg so sperm can enter
2. Nucleus —> contains half of the DNA (Haploid) male genetic information
3. Long tail (Flagellum)—> for movement
4. Many mitochondria—> release a lot of energy for quick movement of tail, (through respiration)

Question 6

What is the function of an egg cell?

Answer 6

The female gamete —> once fertilised by sperm cell it grows into foetus

Question 7

Name 3 adaptations of an egg cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 7

1. Jelly layer —> protects egg cell (before and after fertilisation) along with the cell membrane it hardens, preventing the entry of more sperm cells
2. Nucleus —> contains half the genetic information (Haploid) the female genetic information
3. Cytoplasm —> a store of nutrients and provides energy for cell division

Question 8

Where do you find a Ciliated epithelial cell?

Answer 8

Lining of the oviduct and the small intestine

Question 9

What is the function of a Ciliated epithelial cell? (2 functions)

Answer 9

Oviduct - moves the egg along
Small intestine - absorbs digested food substances

Question 10

Name 3 adaptations of a Ciliated epithelial cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 10

1. Microvilli—> increase the surface area of the small intestine so that more food is absorbed
2. Cilia —> sweep from side to side to move the egg along the oviduct
3. Many mitochondria —> release energy quickly for active transport of food substances

Question 11

What is the function of a red blood cell?

Answer 11

Carries oxygen around the body

Question 12

Name 2 adaptations of the red blood cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 12

1. No nucleus —> provides more space for haemoglobin which is what oxygen binds to within the cell
2. Biconcave disc —> provides large surface area for oxygen to pass through

Question 13

What is the function of a root hair cell?

Answer 13

Absorbs water and mineral ions for plants

Question 14

Name 3 adaptations of a root hair cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 14

1. Large surface area —> for quicker and more efficient absorbtion of water and mineral ions
2. Large vacuole —> maintains water concentration so water can be absorbed by osmosis
3. Many mitochondria —> release a lot of energy quickly for active transport of mineral ions

Question 15

What is the function of a palisade cell?

Answer 15

Photosynthetic cells in the top layer of the leaf

Question 16

Name 2 adaptations of a palisade cell and how they perform their function:

Answer 16

1. Many chloroplasts —> site of photosynthesis therefore many are present
2. Brick shaped —> so many cells can be packed into the top layer of the leaf