Specialised cells

• What is the main function of specialised cells in multicellular organisms?


  To perform specific functions
• What is cell specialisation?

  The process by which cells develop to perform specific functions.
• What is cell differentiation?

  The process by which unspecialised cells become specialised to perform specific functions.
• How does gene expression influence cell differentiation?

  Specific genes are turned on or off, leading to the production of proteins that shape a cell’s structure and function.
• What is the main function of a red blood cell?

  To transport oxygen.
• What are two adaptations of red blood cells that aid their function?

  Biconcave shape for increased surface area and no nucleus for more space for haemoglobin.
• What is the primary function of muscle cells?

  To contract and bring about movement.
• How are muscle cells adapted for their function?

  They contain many mitochondria for ATP production and are long and fibrous for contraction.
• What is the function of a nerve cell (neuron)?

  To transmit electrical signals.
• What are two adaptations of neurons that facilitate their function?

  Long axons for transmitting signals over long distances and a myelin sheath for faster signal transmission.
• What is the function of epithelial cells?

  To line surfaces of organs.
• How are ciliated epithelial cells adapted for their function?

  They have cilia to move substances like mucus.
• What is the function of root hair cells in plants?

  To absorb water and minerals.
• How are root hair cells adapted for their function?

  They have long extensions to increase surface area for absorption.
• What is the basic unit of life?

  The cell.
• What is a tissue?

  A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.
• Give an example of a tissue.

  Epithelial tissue, which lines surfaces in animals.
• What is an organ?

  Different tissues working together to carry out a specific function.
• What is an example of an organ and its tissues?

  The heart, which consists of muscle tissue, nervous tissue, and connective tissue.
• What is an organ system?


  Groups of organs working together to perform bodily functions.
• Give an example of an organ system.

  The circulatory system, which includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• What is an organism?

  A living entity that functions as a whole due to the integration of organ systems.
• What is epithelial tissue?

  Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities.
• What are the different types of muscle tissue?

  Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle tissue.
• What is skeletal muscle tissue responsible for?

  Voluntary movement, attached to bones.
• Where is smooth muscle tissue found?

  In the walls of organs, controlling involuntary movements.
• What is the role of cardiac muscle tissue?

  To contract rhythmically in the heart.
• What does nervous tissue do?

  Transmits signals across the body through neurons.
• What is the function of the lungs as an organ?

  Gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be removed.
• What type of cells are found in the lungs for efficient gas exchange?

  Alveolar epithelial cells with thin walls for rapid diffusion of gases.
• What are the main tissues in the stomach?

  Muscle tissue (for churning food), epithelial tissue (for mucus and enzyme secretion), and connective tissue.
• What is the role of the digestive system?

  To break down food into smaller molecules for absorption.
• What organs are part of the digestive system?

  The stomach, intestines, pancreas, among others.
• What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

  To transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste around the body.
• What organs are part of the respiratory system?

  The lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
• Why is cell specialization and organization important in multicellular organisms?

  It allows for efficient functioning through division of labour and integration of systems.