Specialisation

• Specialised cell


  A cell that is adapted to do a particular job
• Sperm cells are adapted by :

  • Having a long tail to help them swim
  • having a streamlined head to help them swim
  • having lots of mitochondria to provide them with energy
• Red blood cells are adapted by having no nucleus so they can carry more haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body.
• Nerve cells are adapted by having extensions called dendrites which receive signals from other nerve cells and an axon which sends out electrical impulses to muscles or glands.
• Plant root hair cells are adapted by having a large surface area to absorb water and minerals from soil.
• Muscle cells are adapted by being able to contract when stimulated by nerves, this allows us to move our bodies.
• The epidermis has specialised cells called guard cells which open and close stomata to control gas exchange between plant and environment.
• Guard cells are adapted by being able to change shape, becoming flattened when full of water and rounding up when dehydrated.
• Cell differenciation is the process by which a cell becomes specialised for its function.
• Cell differentiation is when cells become specialised so they can carry out specific functions within an organism