Cell differentiation and Specialisation

Cards (12)

  • Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its function.
  • Sperm cells are specialised for reproduction.
  • Nerve cells are specialised for rapid signalling.
  • Muscle cells are specialised for contraction.
  • Root hair cells are specialised for absorbing water and minerals.
  • Phloem and xylem cells are specialised for transporting substances.
  • how are sperm cells adapted for reproduction?
    • long tail and streamlined head to help swim to the egg
    • mitochondria for energy needed
    • carries enzymes in head to help digest through egg cell membrane
  • how are nerve cells adapted for rapid signalling?
    • long to cover more distance
    • have branched connections at ends to connect to other nerve cells from a network
  • how are muscle cells adapted for contraction?
    • long so have space to contract
    • mitochondria to generate energy needed
  • how are root hair cells adapted to absorb water and minerals?
    long hairs that stick into soil for more surface area
  • how is the xylem cells adapted for transporting substances?
    hollow in the centre to allow water to flow through
  • how is the phloem cell adapted for transporting substances?

    very few subcellular structures so that food can flow through them