Specialisation in plant cells

• What type of organisms have cells specialized for particular functions within tissues or organs?

  Both animals and plants have specialized cells.
• Why do plants need to take in lots of water and dissolved mineral ions?

  Plants need water and minerals for growth and physiological processes.
• Where are root hair cells located in plants?

  Root hair cells are found close to the tips of growing roots.
• How do root hair cells help plants take up water and mineral ions?

  They increase the efficiency of water and mineral ion uptake.
• What tissue carries water and mineral ions up into the rest of the plant?

  The xylem tissue carries water and mineral ions.
• How are mineral ions moved into root hair cells?

  Mineral ions are moved into root hair cells by active transport.
• What are the three main adaptations of root hair cells?

  • They greatly increase the surface area for water absorption.
  • They have a large permanent vacuole for faster osmosis.
  • They contain many mitochondria for active transport of mineral ions.
• What is the primary function of photosynthetic cells in plants?

  Photosynthetic cells allow plants to make their own food through photosynthesis.
• What are the adaptations of photosynthetic cells?

  • They contain chloroplasts with chlorophyll for trapping light.
  • They are arranged in continuous layers to absorb maximum light.
  • They have a large vacuole to keep the cell rigid and support the plant.
• What is the function of xylem cells in plants?

  Xylem cells transport water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves.
• How are xylem cells adapted for their function?

  • Lignin spirals strengthen the cell walls and form hollow tubes for easy water movement.
  • Xylem cells die to form long tubes for efficient transport of water and minerals.
• What is the role of phloem cells in plants?

  Phloem cells transport dissolved food made by photosynthesis around the plant.
• What are the adaptations of phloem cells?

  • Sieve plates allow dissolved food to move freely.
  • They are supported by companion cells that provide energy for food transport.
• What is the function of sieve plates in phloem cells?

  Sieve plates allow water carrying dissolved food to move freely up and down the tubes.
• How do companion cells support phloem cells?

  Companion cells provide energy needed for the movement of dissolved food.
• What is a major difference between xylem cells and phloem cells?

  • Xylem cells become lignified and die, forming hollow tubes for water transport.
  • Phloem cells remain alive and transport food.
• Where are photosynthetic cells usually located in a plant?

  Photosynthetic cells are usually found in continuous layers in the leaves and outer layers of the stem.
• What is the function of the large permanent vacuole in photosynthetic cells?

  The large vacuole helps keep the cell rigid through osmosis.
• Why are root hair cells located near xylem tissue?


  Root hair cells are located near xylem tissue to efficiently transfer water and mineral ions into the xylem for transport.
• How do rigid photosynthetic cells support the plant?

  Rigid photosynthetic cells help support the stem and keep the leaves spread out to capture more light.