specialised cells b.2

• define cell differentiation


  A cell becoming specialised to perform a particular function
• define cell division 


  the splitting of a cell into two genetically identical daughter cells
• function of a muscle cell

  produce movement
• adaptation of a muscle cell


  lots of mitochondria for releasing energy
• function of a sperm cell


  fertilise the female egg
• adaptation of a sperm cell 


  tall for movement, lots of mitochondria to release energy, enzymes in its head to penetrate egg
• function of a nerve cell

  carry information from one part of the body to another
• adaptations of a nerve cell

  dendrites to connect to other neurones, long axon to cover large distances
• function of a root hair cell

  absorb water and minerals from the soil
• two adaptations of a root hair cell

  large surface area, thin cell wall
• function of a xylem cell


  carry water from roots to leaves
• two adaptations of a xylem cell

  lignin to strengthen cells, end walls broken down to form hollow tubes
• function of a phloem cell

  transport glucose within a plant
• two adaptations of a phloem cell


  less sub-cellular structures, end walls have sieve plates to allow glucose through