Topic 1 - Speciallised Cells And Their Functions

Question 1

What is the process by which cells gain new sub-cellular structures suited to their role?

Answer 1

Differentiation

Differentiation allows cells to perform specific functions.

Question 2

What are cells called that can differentiate their whole life?

Answer 2

Stem cells

Stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into various cell types.

Question 3

In which type of organisms do most cells only differentiate once?

Answer 3

Animals

Most animal cells have a fixed role after differentiation.

Question 4

Which type of organisms often retain the ability to differentiate throughout their life?

Answer 4

Plants

Many plant cells can continue to differentiate as needed.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Cells specialise by undergoing _______.

Answer 5

differentiation

Question 6

True or False: All cells in animals can differentiate multiple times throughout their life.

Answer 6

False

Most animal cells only differentiate once.

Question 7

What is the main reason for cell differentiation?

Answer 7

To be suited to its role

Differentiation equips cells with the necessary structures for specific functions.

Question 8

What is the function of sperm cells?

Answer 8

To carry the male’s DNA to the egg cell for successful reproduction

Sperm cells have adaptations such as a streamlined head and long tail for swimming.

Question 9

What adaptations do sperm cells have to aid movement?

Answer 9

Streamlined head and long tail

These features help the sperm swim effectively towards the egg cell.

Question 10

What is the role of mitochondria in sperm cells?

Answer 10

To supply energy for movement

Mitochondria are the sites of respiration, providing the energy needed for sperm motility.

Question 11

What is the acrosome in sperm cells and its function?

Answer 11

Contains digestive enzymes to break down the egg cell’s outer membrane

This allows sperm to penetrate the egg during fertilization.

Question 12

What does haploid mean in relation to sperm cells?

Answer 12

Contains 23 chromosomes

Haploid means having half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells.

Question 13

What is the primary function of egg cells?

Answer 13

To accept a single sperm cell and develop into an embryo

Egg cells are designed for fertilization and subsequent embryonic development.

Question 14

What feature of the egg cell membrane prevents multiple sperm from entering?

Answer 14

Becomes impermeable after one sperm cell enters

This ensures only one sperm fertilizes the egg.

Question 15

Why is the size of egg cells significant?

Answer 15

Allows quick, repeated division as the embryo grows

The large cytoplasm supports early cell divisions.

Question 16

What is the function of ciliated epithelial cells?

Answer 16

To waft bacteria trapped by mucus to the stomach

This process helps protect the body from illness.

Question 17

What are cilia and their role in ciliated epithelial cells?

Answer 17

Long, hair-like processes that waft mucus and trapped bacteria

Cilia help move mucus towards the stomach where bacteria are killed.

Question 18

What is the primary function of root hair cells?

Answer 18

To take up water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport

These cells are located at the tips of roots for optimal absorption.

Question 19

How do root hair cells maximize water uptake?

Answer 19

They have a large surface area due to root hairs

This adaptation increases the efficiency of water absorption.

Question 20

What role does the large permanent vacuole play in root hair cells?

Answer 20

Affects the speed of movement of water from the soil to the cell

The vacuole helps maintain turgor pressure and facilitates osmosis.

Question 21

What is the function of xylem cells?

Answer 21

To transport water and mineral ions up the plant

Xylem is essential for the plant’s hydration and nutrient distribution.

Question 22

What happens to xylem cells upon formation?

Answer 22

They die and become hollow, forming a continuous tube

This structure allows efficient water transport throughout the plant.

Question 23

What is lignin and its importance in xylem cells?

Answer 23

A chemical that strengthens xylem cells and helps withstand pressure

Lignin is deposited in spirals to enhance structural integrity.

Question 24

What are phloem cells specialised for?

Answer 24

To carry the products of photosynthesis (food) to all parts of the plants

Question 25

What structures do the cell walls of phloem cells form when they break down?

Answer 25

Sieve plates

Question 26

How do sieve plates function in phloem cells?

Answer 26

They allow the movement of substances from cell to cell

Question 27

What do phloem cells lose that is typical in other cells?

Answer 27

Many sub-cellular structures

Question 28

How do phloem cells obtain the energy they need to be alive?

Answer 28

From the mitochondria of the companion cells