Plant cell specialisation

• What are the three specialized plant cells discussed?

  Root hair cells, xylem cells, phloem cells
• What is the process called when cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are three key structures in a general plant cell?

  Chloroplasts, cellulose cell wall, permanent vacuole
• How do root hair cells adapt to their function?

  • Increase surface area for absorption
  • Lack chloroplasts as they are underground
• What is the function of root hair cells?

  To absorb water and dissolved minerals
• Why do root hair cells not contain chloroplasts?

  They are underground and do not perform photosynthesis
• What are the key features of xylem cells?

  • Thick walls containing lignin for support
  • End walls broken down to form long tubes
  • No nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuole, or chloroplasts
• What do xylem cells transport?

  Water and dissolved minerals
• What is the significance of lignin in xylem cells?

  It provides support to the plant
• How do the internal structures of xylem cells facilitate their function?

  No internal structures allow easy flow of water
• What are the key features of phloem cells?

  • Consist of phloem vessel cells and companion cells
  • Phloem vessel cells have no nucleus and limited cytoplasm
  • End walls have sieve plates for sugar movement
• What do phloem cells transport?

  Dissolved sugars
• What is the role of companion cells in phloem?

  They provide energy to phloem vessel cells
• How do sieve plates in phloem vessel cells aid in their function?

  They allow dissolved sugars to move through
• How are root hair cells, xylem cells, and phloem cells specialized for their functions?

  • Root hair cells: Increase surface area, lack chloroplasts
  • Xylem cells: Thick walls, no internal structures for water flow
  • Phloem cells: Sieve plates for sugar movement, companion cells for energy