Cell differentiation and Specialisation

    Cards (7)

    • Cell differentiation
      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.