cell specialisation

• What term do scientists use to describe the process when cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are the three specialized animal cells discussed in the video?

  • Sperm cells
  • Nerve cells
  • Muscle cells
• What is the primary function of sperm cells?

  To join with an ovum during fertilization
• What happens during fertilization involving sperm and ovum?

  The genetic information of the ovum and the sperm combine
• What is contained in the nucleus of a sperm cell?

  The genetic information
• How is the structure of sperm cells adapted for swimming?

  Sperm cells have a long tail and are streamlined
• What is the role of mitochondria in sperm cells?

  To provide energy needed for swimming
• What do sperm cells contain that helps them digest the outer layer of the ovum?

  Enzymes
• What is the primary function of nerve cells?

  To send electrical impulses around the body
• What is the structure of a nerve cell that carries electrical impulses?

  A long axon
• What is the function of myelin in nerve cells?

  To insulate the axon and speed up the transmission of nerve impulses
• What are synapses in nerve cells?

  Structures that allow the impulse to pass from one nerve cell to another
• What do dendrites do in nerve cells?

  They increase the surface area for other nerve cells to connect
• What is the primary function of muscle cells?

  To contract and get shorter
• What do muscle cells contain that allows them to contract?

  Protein fibers that change length
• What is the role of mitochondria in muscle cells?

  To provide energy for muscle contraction
• How do muscle cells work together?

  • They form muscle tissue
  • They contract in unison to produce movement
• What are the two types of specialized plant cells discussed in the video?

  Xylem cells and phloem cells
• What is the process called when cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are three key structures found in a general plant cell?

  Chloroplasts, cellulose cell wall, and permanent vacuole
• How are root hair cells specialized for their function?

  • Increase surface area for water absorption
  • Lack chloroplasts as they are underground
• What is the function of root hair cells?

  To absorb water and dissolved minerals
• Why do root hair cells not contain chloroplasts?

  Because they are underground and do not carry out photosynthesis
• What are the key features of xylem cells?

  • Thick walls containing lignin for support
  • End walls have broken down to form long tubes
  • No nucleus, cytoplasm, vacuole, or chloroplasts
• What is the primary function of xylem cells?

  To carry water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves
• What is the significance of lignin in xylem cells?

  Lignin provides support to the plant
• How do the structures of xylem cells facilitate the flow of water and minerals?

  The absence of internal structures allows for easier flow
• What are the key features of phloem cells?

  • Consist of phloem vessel cells and companion cells
  • Phloem vessel cells have no nucleus and limited cytoplasm
  • End walls have pores called sieve plates
• What do phloem cells transport?

  Dissolved sugars up and down the plant
• What is the role of companion cells in phloem?

  To provide energy to the phloem vessel cells
• How do the features of phloem vessel cells facilitate the movement of sugars?

  The limited cytoplasm and sieve plates allow for easy movement
• What are the differences between xylem and phloem cells?

  • Xylem: transports water and minerals, has thick walls with lignin, no internal structures
  • Phloem: transports sugars, has sieve plates, and companion cells for energy
• What is the main function of phloem cells?

  To transport dissolved sugars