Differentiation and specialised cells

• What is the process by which cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are specialized cells?

  Cells with specific roles in the body
• What types of organisms have specialized cells?

  Complex organisms like animals and plants
• Name two examples of specialized cells in animals.

  Sperm cells and muscle cells
• How many types of specialized cells are there approximately in humans?

  Around 200 types
• Name two examples of specialized cells in plants.

  Root hair cells and 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 as much genetic material?

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

  A tail-like structure called a flagellum
• Why is the shape of a sperm cell streamlined?

  To aid in swimming through fluids
• What do mitochondria provide for sperm cells?

  Energy required for swimming
• What is the function of digestive enzymes in sperm cells?

  To break a hole into the egg cell
• How do specialized cells differ from each other?

  They have different shapes and structures
• What is differentiation?

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

  A fertilized egg cell
• What happens to the zygote during development?

  It divides by mitosis into multiple cells
• What occurs after the initial cell divisions of the zygote?

  The cells are all identical and unspecialized
• What is the role of stem cells?

  To divide and differentiate into specialized cells
• What are the key characteristics of specialized cells?

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

  1. Starts as a zygote (fertilized egg)
  2. Divides by mitosis into identical cells
  3. Cells undergo differentiation to become specialized
  4. Results in various cell types (muscle, nerve, etc.)
• What are the adaptations of sperm cells?

  • Half genetic material
  • Flagellum for swimming
  • Streamlined shape
  • Lots of mitochondria for energy
  • Digestive enzymes for penetrating egg
• What is the significance of organelle composition in specialized cells?

  • Different organelles support specific functions
  • Example: Mitochondria in sperm for energy
  • Example: Hemoglobin in red blood cells for oxygen transport