Specialised Cells - Animal cells Flashcards
What happens once cells differentiate?
They have a specific function and their structure is adapted to perform that function
Roles of Erythrocytes
(Red Blood Cells) carry oxygen in the blood
How is the structure of Erythrocytes adapted to perform its function?
> They have biconcave disc shape which provides a large surface area.
They have no nucleus so theres more room for haemoglobin , the protein that carries oxygen.
Roles of Neutrophils
( A type of White Blood Cell) that defend the body against disease.
How is the structure of Neutrophils adapted to perform its function?
> Their flexible shape allows them to engulf foreign particles or pathogens.
The many lysosomes in their cytoplasm contain digestive enzymes to break down the engulfed particles.
Roles of Epithelial cells
They cover the surfaces of organs
How is the structure of Epithelial cells adapted to perform its function?
> The cells are joined by interlinking cell membranes and a membrane at their base.
Ciliated epithelia (e.g. in the airways) have cilia that beat to move particles away.
Other epithelia (e.g. in the small intestine) have microvilli - folds in the cell membranes that increases the cell’s surface area.
Squamous epithelia (e.g. in the lungs) are very thin to allow efficient diffusion of gases.
How is the structure of Sperm cells adapted to perform its function?
(male sex cells) have a flagellum (tail) so they can swim to the (female sex cell). They also have lots of mitochondria to provide the energy to swim. The acrosome contains digestive enzymes o enable the sperm to penetrate the surface of the egg.
