Specialized cells

• Specialized cells


  cells that have a specific structure and function and were adapted to perform a specific task within the organism
• How are sperm cells adapted to their function?

  .haploid nucleus- contains genetic information

  .tail(flagellum)- enables movement to the ovum

  .mitochondria- provides energy for tail movement

  .acrosome- contains enzymes that digest the egg cell membrane.
• How are nerve cells adapted to their function?

  .long axon- allows electrical impulses to be transmitted all over body from the central nervous system

  .dendrites-receives impulses from other nerve cells, muscles and glands

  .myelin sheath- insulates axon and speeds up transmission of impulses along the nerve cell
• How are muscle cells adapted to their function?

  .protein filaments- allows them to slide over each other to produce muscle contraction.

  .mitochondria- provides energy for muscle contraction

  .merged cells in skeletal muscle- allow muscle fibre contraction in unison
• How are root hair cells adapted to their function?

  .large surface area- to absorb nutrients and water from soil

  .thin walls- doesn't restrict water absorption
• How are xylem cells adapted to their function?


  .no upper or lower margins between cells- provides continuous route for water flow

  .thick,woody side walls- strengthens structure and prevents collapsing.
• How are phloem cells adapted to their function?


  .sieve plates- allow amino acids to dissolve and transports sugars up and down the stem

  .companion cells- provide energy needed for active transport of substances along the phloem
• What is cell differentiation?


  the process by which cells become specialised
• Why is cell differentiation important?


  allows production of different tissues and organs that perform various vital functions in the human body