The process by which cells become specialised for different functions
Examples of specialised cells
Sperm cells
Nerve cells
Muscle cells
Root hair cells
Xylem and phloem cells
Sperm cells
Long tail and streamlined head to get to egg. Lots of mitochondria to provide energy needed to swim. Carries enzymes in head to digest through the egg cell.
Nerve cells
Specialised for transmitting electrical signals by being long and having branched connections to connect to nerve cells throughout the body.
Muscle cells
Specialised for contraction, long so they have space to contract and contain lots of mitochondria to generate energy needed.
Root hair cells
Specialised for absorbing water and minerals from the soil by long hairs that stick into the soil. Big surface area
Xylem and phloem cells
Specialised for transporting substances like water and nutrients through the plant. Xylem are hollow.Phloem have few subcellular structures.
