Specialized cells

• What is a specialized cell?

  A cell with specific features for a function
• How do specialized cells differ from each other?

  They change shape and internal organization
• What are the three main parts of a sperm cell?

  Head, Middle Piece, Tail
• Why do Muscle Cells have many mitochondria?

  To provide energy for movement
• What is the structure of a Root Hair Cell?

  Long extensions
• What is the structure and function of a Muscle Cell?

  Elongated with many mitochondria, movement
• What is the name of the structure at the front of the sperm cell?

  Head
• What is the shape and function of a Red Blood Cell?

  Disk shape, oxygen transport
• What is the function of the mitochondrion in a sperm cell?

  The mitochondrion in the middle piece of the sperm cell provides the energy (ATP) needed for the tail to move and propel the sperm forward.
• How is the sperm cell enclosed?

  By a plasma membrane
• What is the name of the structure in the middle of the sperm cell?

  Middle piece
• What is the function of mitochondria in the middle piece of the sperm cell?

  Produces energy for movement
• What structure propels the sperm through fluid?

  Flagellum
• What is the name of the structure at the end of the sperm cell?

  Tail (flagellum)
• What does the nucleus in the sperm cell carry?

  DNA
• What are the specialized structures and functions of the four cell types listed?

  • Red Blood Cell: Disk shape, oxygen transport
  • Nerve Cell: Long fibers, signal transmission
  • Muscle Cell: Elongated, movement
  • Root Hair Cell: Long extensions, water absorption
• Why are specialized cells unique?

  They have specific features for efficiency
• What is the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

  The myelin sheath acts as an insulator, increasing the speed of electrical impulse transmission along the axon.
• What is the role of the acrosome in a sperm cell?

  The acrosome at the tip of the sperm head contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate and fuse with the egg during fertilization.
• What is the primary function of a neuron?

  Rapid communication of signals through electrical impulses
• What type of cell would you expect to contract for movement?

  Muscle cells
• What is the jelly-like substance inside the cell called?

  Cytoplasm
• How does the tadpole shape of a sperm cell help it?

  It helps move efficiently through fluid
• What is a nerve cell also known as?

  Neuron
• What is the name of the specialized structure that insulates the axon?

  Myelin sheath
• What is the function of the nodes of Ranvier?

  Allow signal jumping
• How do red blood cells differ from nerve cells in function?

  Red blood cells carry oxygen; nerve cells transmit signals
• What is the name of the specialized structure at the end of the axon?

  Synaptic end bulbs
• What does the axon do in a neuron?

  Carries signals along its length
• What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

  Processes signals
• What is the function of the nodes of Ranvier in a myelinated axon?

  They allow for saltatory conduction, increasing the speed of signal transmission
• How do the parts of a neuron work together to transmit signals?

  • Dendrites receive signals
  • Cell body processes signals
  • Axon carries signals
  • Myelin sheath speeds up transmission
  • Nodes of Ranvier allow jumping
  • Synaptic end bulbs release messengers
• What do muscle cells do?

  They contract to produce movement
• What do specialized cells develop to perform specific functions?

  Unique adaptations in their structures
• What is the primary function of a Root Hair Cell?

  Water absorption
• What are the main parts of a sperm cell?

  • Head
  • Middle piece
  • Tail (flagellum)
• What is a root hair?

  A long extension of a root hair cell
• If you wanted to observe the detailed surface features of a plant cell, which type of microscope would you use?

  A scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What is the name of the organelle that contains the genetic material in an animal cell?

  Nucleus
• What are the main parts of a neuron?

  1. Dendrites
  2. Cell body
  3. Axon
  4. Myelin sheath
  5. Nodes of Ranvier
  6. Synaptic end bulbs