cell differentiation and specialisation

• describe differentiation

  process where cell specialises by developing specific subcellular structures for particular function
• when do animal cells differentiate in the lifetime

  stages of early development
• when do plant cells differentiate in their lifetime

  throughout all life stages
• give examples of specialised animal cells

  sperm cell, nerve cell and muscle cell
• describe function of sperm cell

  transport male genetic information to female genetic information in egg cell for sexual reproduction through fertilisation
• describe specialised structures of sperm cell

  streamlined and tail - aid movement

  lots of mitochondria - provide energy for movement

  digestive enzymes - digest through egg cell membrane
• describe function of nerve cell

  transmit electrical impulses around body
• describe specialised structures of nerve cells

  long axon - cover long distances

  branched connections - connect end to end to form networks
• describe function of muscle cells

  rapid contraction to provide movement of body
• describe specialised structures of muscle cell

  lots of mitochondria - provide energy for contraction

  special protein layers - allow fibre contraction
• give examples of specialised plant cells

  root hair cells, xylem and phloem
• describe function of root hair cells

  absorb water and mineral ions from soil through active transport for plant growth
• describe specialised structures of root hair cells

  large surface area - maximise absorption

  lots of mitochondria - provide energy required for active transport
• describe function of xylem and phloem cells

  transport substances through plant for plant growth