Specialised Cells Flashcards
Sperm cell
Sperm cell is the male sex cell. It is specialised for reproduction. It carries the male DNA (23 chromosomes) to the egg (the female sex cell). Carey’s lots of mitochondria to give it the energy needed to swim and enzymes to brake away the egg cells membrane.
Nerve cell
It’s specialised for rapid signalling. Carry electrical signals between different parts of the body. They are long (to cover more distance) and have branches to connect to other nerve and cells creating a network throughout the body.
Muscle cell
It’s specialised for contraction. It’s function is to contract quickly. They are long and contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy required for the muscles to contract.
Root hair cells
Specialised for absorbing water and minerals. They are found on the surface of plant roots and grow into long “hairs” that stick out into the soil. They cover a large surface area so that they can take in more water and mineral ions within the soil.
Ciliates epithelial cell
Found in tubes leading to the lungs and in the oviducts. Have specialised hairs (cilia) that help get rid of dirt in the lungs and move the egg along the oviduct.
Differentiate
When a cell goes through differentiation it is the process where by a cell changes to become specialised.