Specialised cells and differentiation

• Explain how a root hair cell is adapted for its role ?

  • It has a large surface area to absorb water and mineral ions
  • It has a lots of mitochondria to provide energy for active transport
  • It has lots of protein channels to transport water and mineral ions into the cell.
• What do we call cells that haven’t differentiated yet, but could still differentiate into any cell ?

  Stem cells.
• What is specialised cell ?

  A cell that is adapted to perform a particular function .
• What does differentiation mean ?

  Process by which cells become specialised .

  It can involve the cell changing shape, changing size, and changing the combination of organelles it contains.
• Why is cell differentiation important ?

  It allows the production of different types of cells, which can then form tissues and organs that perform various vital functions in the body.
• State a sperms role

  • Role : To deliver genetic material to an egg cell and fertilise it
• How are sperm adapted for its role ?

  • Lots of Mitochondria - provide energy for movement
  • Flagellum - Allows sperm to swim to reach the egg
  • Streamlined - makes swimming easier
  • Digestive enzymes - In the head allowing it to break through wall of the egg.