Topic 1 Cell Differentiation and specialisation % Flashcards
What is differentiation
The process in which a cell changes to be become specialised for its job
How does a cell become specialised
Develop different subcellular structures and turn into different types of cells that allow them to carry out specific functions
What are cells that differentiate into mature animal cells used for
Repairing and replacing cells such a as skin or blood
What are spermcells specialised for
Reproduction
How is a sperm cell specialised
Long tail and streamlined head to help it swim to the egg
Has a lot of mitochondria to provide energy
Carries enzymes in its head to digest through egg cell membrane
What are nerve cells specialised for
Rapid signalling
How is a nerve cell specialised
Job = Carries electrical signals through the body
Long to cover more distance
Have branched connections at there ends to connect to other nerve cells to form a network
What are muscle cells specialised for
Contraction
How are muscle cells specialised
Long so they have enough space to contract
Contain lots of mitochondria to generate energy for contraction
What are root hair cells specialised for
Absorbing water and mineral
How are root hairs specialised
Have a large surface area to absorb more water and minerals
Covered in millions of microscopic hairs which increases surface area
Filled with mitochondria so more active transport can happen
What are the phloem and xylem specialised for
Transporting substances
What does the xylem do
A dead tube of cells
Transports water and mineral ions in one direction
Towards the leaf from the roots (transpiration flow)
Shaped like a straw
Walks thickened with lignin
What does the phloem do
Living cells separated by a sieve plate (forms a tube)
Transports glucose and amino acid in both directions (translocation)
Have companion cells attached to the side
How are the xylem specialised
Xylem - Strengthened by lignin
Continuous hollow tube
