specialised cells and cellular differation

• 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?

  • Animals (e.g., humans)
  • Plants (e.g., pea plants)
• How many types of specialized cells are estimated to exist in humans?

  Around 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 adult cell?

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

  The tail (flagellum) at its end
• How does the streamlined shape of a sperm cell assist its function?

  It reduces resistance while swimming
• What is the role of mitochondria in sperm cells?

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

  Digestive enzymes to penetrate the egg
• What are the general characteristics of specialized cells?

  • Specific roles in the body
  • Unique shapes and structures
  • Varied organelle compositions
• What is differentiation in the context of cell biology?

  The process by which cells become specialized
• What is the first cell in human development called?

  Zygote
• How does a zygote develop into specialized cells?

  It divides by mitosis into multiple cells
• What happens to cells after they divide into multiple identical cells?

  They undergo differentiation to specialize
• What are stem cells?

  Cells that can divide and differentiate
• What is the significance of stem cells in development?

  • Ability to divide by mitosis
  • Potential to differentiate into specialized cells