Specialised Cells Flashcards
What are the functions and adaptations of a red blood cell?
They transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues where aerobic respiration occurs. The cytoplasm is filled with the pigment haemoglobin, which carries oxygen. The cells have no nucleus, thus leaving more space for haemoglobin, and they are very flexible (they can be forced through even the narrowest of blood vessels).
What are the functions and adaptations of muscle cells?
They contract so that structures can be brought closer together. Muscle cells are long and have many protein fibres in the cytoplasm. These fibres can shorten the cell when energy is available.
What other functions and adaptations of ciliated cells?
Has a layer of tiny hairs (cilia) which can move and push mucus from one place to another. The mucus can transport trapped dust and microbes when it is pushed by the cilia.
What other functions and adaptations of a motor nerve cell?
Conducts nerve impulses. The cell has a long fibre called and Axon along which impulses travel, a fatty sheath which gives an electrical installation and a many branched ending which can connect with many other cells.
What are the functions and adaptations of a root hair cell?
They absorb minerals and water from the soil. The cell has a long extension (a root hair) which increases the surface area for the absorption of materials.
What are the functions and adaptations of a xylemvessel?
Transports water and support the plant. The cell has no cytoplasm (so water can pass freely). It has no end wall (so that many cells can form a continuous tube) and walls are strengthened with a waterproof substance called lignin.
What is a tissue?
Cells with similar structures and functions are massed together in tissues.
What are organs?
When several tissues may be confined to form an organ, a complex structure with a particular function.
What is an organ system?
In complex organisms, several organs work together to perform at a particular task.
What is the order of structures from smallest to largest?
Simple molecule, complex molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism
What are the specialisations of sperm?
Tail and streamlined shape for swimming to find egg cell. Head contains half the genetic information to make a baby.
What are the specialisations of a palisade Cell in the upper surface of a leaf?
Have many chloroplasts containing chlorophyll which traps light energy for photosynthesis. Palisade cells are arranged so that large surface area is exposed to light.
What are the specialisations of an egg cell?
Large and bulky, does not move on its own, waits for the sperm to find it. Contains a yolk to act as a food source for zygote (new embryo) until placenta forms. Contains half of genetic information to make a baby.
What other specialisations of a guard cell in the lower surface of a leaf?
Special shape results in a pore between the cells so that gases (carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour) can enter and leave the leaf.
