Cell specialisation and differentiation

• What are specialized cells?

  Cells that perform specific functions
• What is the process by which cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What types of organisms have specialized cells?

  • Animals (e.g., humans)
  • Plants (e.g., pea plants)
• Name three examples of specialized cells in animals.

  Sperm cells, muscle cells, nerve cells
• Name two examples of specialized cells in plants.

  Root hair cells, xylem cells
• What is the role of a sperm cell?

  To deliver genetic material to an egg cell
• Why does a sperm cell have half the genetic material of a normal adult cell?

  To combine with the egg's genetic material
• What adaptation helps sperm cells swim to the egg?

  The flagellum acts like a tail
• Why do sperm cells have many mitochondria?

  To provide energy for swimming
• What is the function of digestive enzymes in sperm cells?

  To break a hole into the egg cell
• What are the characteristics of specialized cells?

  • Specific roles in the body
  • Unique shapes and structures
  • Different organelle compositions
• What is differentiation?

  The process by which cells become specialized
• What is a zygote?

  A fertilized egg cell
• What happens to the zygote after fertilization?

  It divides by mitosis into two cells
• What occurs after the zygote divides into two cells?

  It continues to divide into more cells
• What is the significance of differentiation in development?

  It allows cells to take on specific roles
• What are stem cells?

  Cells that can divide and differentiate
• What is the role of stem cells in development?

  • Ability to divide by mitosis
  • Differentiate into specialized cells