Cell differentiation and specialisation

• What is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised?

  Differentiation
• Why do cells differentiate as an organism develops?

  To perform specific functions
• What happens to most animal cells' ability to differentiate after they become specialised?

  They lose the ability
• What is a specialised cell?

  A cell that performs a specific function
• How is a cell's structure related to its function?

  Structure helps it carry out its function
• What is the main function of nerve cells?


  To carry electrical impulses
• What is the significance of subcellular structures in specialised cells?

  They enable cells to perform specific functions
• What is the main function of sperm cells?

  To deliver male DNA to female DNA
• How do sperm cells assist in reproduction?

  They swim to the egg using a tail
• What do muscle cells primarily do?

  Contract
• Why do muscle cells contain many mitochondria?

  To provide energy for contraction
• What is the function of root hair cells?

  To absorb water and minerals
• How do root hair cells increase their efficiency in absorption?

  They grow into long "hairs"
• What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?

  Transporting substances
• How are phloem and xylem cells structured to perform their function?

  They are long and joined end to end
• What is a key feature of xylem cells?


  They are hollow in the centre
• What is a key feature of phloem cells?


  They have very few subcellular structures
• What is the role of stem cells?


  They can differentiate into various cell types