cell differentiation

• Cell Differentiation


  The process by which a change to become specialised for its job
• Cell Differentiation


  1. Cells develop specialised structures and functions

  2. Cells become different types of cells

  3. Allows cells to carry out specific functions
• Specialised cells


  Cells that have lost the ability to differentiate at an early stage, after they become specialised
• Some specialised cells can still retain the ability to differentiate
• Stem cells

  Undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types
• Sperm cells

  • Specialised for reproduction
  • Have a streamlined shape and many mitochondria to provide energy
  • Carry enzymes to help penetrate egg cell membrane
• Nerve cells


  • Specialised for rapid signalling
  • Long and branched to connect different parts of the body
  • Able to transmit electrical signals quickly
• Muscle cells

  • Specialised for contraction
  • Long shape to allow contraction
  • Contain many mitochondria to generate energy for contraction
• Root hair cells

  • Specialised for absorbing water and minerals
  • Grow long "hairs" to increase surface area for absorption
• Phloem and xylem cells


  • Specialised for transporting substances
  • Cells are long and joined end-to-end to form tubes
  • Phloem cells have few internal structures to allow flow of substances
  • Xylem cells are hollow in the centre
• Plants transport food substances from the leaves to growing parts of the plant through phloem tubes
• Mitosis is the process of cell division