Specialised Cells

Question 1

Specialized cells

Answer 1

It’s structure is adapted to suit the particular job it does

Question 2

Adaptations and function of a sperm cell

Answer 2

Function: to fertilize an egg
Adaptations:
. Streamlined with a long tail to swim to the egg
. Acrosome in the head containing enzymes to digest the egg cell membrane
. Large number of mitochondria in the mid section to release energy for movement

Question 3

Adaptations and function of a nerve cell

Answer 3

Function: to carry electrical signals
Adaptations:
. Long to carry signals long distances
. Branched connections to connect to other nerve
. Insulating sheath to enhance transmission of electrical signals

Question 4

Adaptations and function of a muscle cell

Answer 4

Function: to contract to allow movement
Adaptations:
. Contain a large number of mitochondria to release energy from respiration for movement
. Long so that there is enough space to contract

Question 5

Adaptations and function of a root hair cell

Answer 5

Function: to absorb water and minerals from the soil
Adaptations:
. Hair like projections to increase surface area
. No chloroplasts because they don’t need them as they are in the soil

Question 6

Adaptations and function of the xylem

Answer 6

Function: to carry water and minerals in plants
Adaptations:
. Form hollow xylem tubes made of dead tissue
. Long cells with walls toughened by lignin
. Water and minerals flow from the roots towards the leaves only in one direction in a process called transpiration

Question 7

Adaptations and function of the phloem

Answer 7

Function: to carry glucose around the plant
Adaptations:
. Form phloem tubes made of living tissue
. Cells have end plates with holes in them
. Glucose in solution moves from the leaves to growth and storage tissues in a process called translocation