differentiation

• What are specialized cells?

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

  Differentiation
• What types of organisms are made up of specialized cells?

  Complex organisms like animals and plants
• How many types of specialized cells are there in humans?

  About 200 types
• 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 cell?

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

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

  To provide energy for swimming
• What do sperm cells have at the front to aid fertilization?

  Digestive enzymes to penetrate the egg
• What is a key characteristic of specialized cells?

  They have specific shapes and structures
• How do red blood cells and nerve cells differ?

  They have different shapes and structures
• What is differentiation?

  The process by which cells become specialized
• What is the starting point of human life?

  A single cell called a zygote
• What happens to the zygote after fertilization?

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

  The cells are identical and not specialized
• What does differentiation involve?

  Changing shape, structure, and organelles
• What are the adaptations of sperm cells for their function?

  • Half the genetic material
  • Flagellum for swimming
  • Streamlined shape
  • Many mitochondria for energy
  • Digestive enzymes for penetrating the egg
• What is the relationship between cell structure and function in specialized cells?

  • Specialized cells have unique shapes
  • Structures are adapted for specific roles
  • Different organelles are present based on function
• What is the process of differentiation in human development?


  1. Starts as a zygote (fertilized egg)
  2. Divides by mitosis into identical cells
  3. Cells undergo differentiation
  4. Become specialized cells (muscle, nerve, etc.)
• what 2 cells are adapted to their roles by having a large surface area

  root hair cells, red blood cells
• Cells that are adapted to perform a particular function are called specialised cells.