Cell differentiation and Specialisation.

• What is the definition of differentiation?


  The process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job.
• What are the cells that differentiate in animal cells used for?


  Growth and Repair.
• What are undifferentiated cells called?


  Stem cells.
• What are some examples of specialised cells? 


  Sperm cells,

  Nerve cells,

  Muscle cells,

  Root hair cells

  and Phloem and Xylem cells.
• What are Sperm cells specialised for?


  Reproduction
• What is the function of a sperm?


  To get the male DNA to the female DNA.
• How is a sperm cell specialised to fit its function?


  It has a long tail, streamlined head to help it swim. Many Mitochondria to provide energy needed. Carries Enzymes to digest through egg cell membrane.
• What are Nerve cells Specialised for?


  Rapid Signalling.
• What is the function of a Nerve cell?


  To carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
• How are they specialised to fit their function?


  Long to cover distance. Have branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form a network.
• What are Muscle cells specialised for?


  Contraction.
• What is the function of muscle cells?


  To contract quickly.
• How are Muscle cells specialised to fit their function?


  Long so they have space to contract, contain lots of mitochondria to generate energy for contraction.
• What are Root hair Cells specialised for?


  Absorbing water and minerals.
• How are they specialised?


  Grow long ‘hairs’ that stick into soil, gives them a big surface area for absorbing water and minerals.
• What are Phloem and Xylem cells specialised for?


  Transporting substances.
• How are they specialised?

  they form Phloem and Xylem tubes, which transport substances such as foot and water. Cells are joined end to end to form tubes, Xylem cells are hollow and Phloem have very few subcellular structures allows things to flow through them.