Specialised Cells Flashcards
How does the structure of a guard cell affect its function?
> it has a kidney like shape to help control the size of the stomata
> when the plant has too much water, water flows into the guard cell, making it turgid and increasing the size of the stomata, allowing water to escape through evaporation and diffusion
> when the plant has too little water, water leaves the guard cells, making them flaccid, decreasing the size of the stomata and limiting the level of water loss.
> they are light sensitive and close up the stomata at night to stop the plant from wasting water that it could use for photosynthesis
> thin outer wall and thick inner wall to allow it to close around the stomata
What is the purpose of the guard cell?
> to allow gas exchange
> control water loss
How is a red blood cell tailored to its function?
> biconcave shape for:
- maximum SA for absorption of O2
- allows easy passage through capillaries
> contains haemoglobin for carrying of oxygen
> no nucleus for more haemoglobin
What are the functions of the female gamete?
To carry the female DNA
To nourish the developing embryo
> contains huge food reserves to nourish the developing embryo
What is the structure of a sperm cell?
> tail and streamlined shape to help it to swim towards the egg
> mitochondria in head to provide energy from respiration for swimming
> enzymes in head to digest through cell wall of egg
What qualities of a palisade cell tailor it to its function?
> it has lots of chloroplasts for absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis
> it has a tall shape for a high surface area for absorption of CO2
> it has a thin shape so can be compacted at the top of the leaf for absorbing sunlight
