Specialised Cells Flashcards
What are sperm cells specialised for? Name some of its properties.
Specialised for reproduction.
—> long tail and streamlined head for swimming
—> lots of mitochondria to provide energy
—> carries enzymes in the head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
What are nerve cells specialised for? Name some of its properties.
Carries electrical signals from one part of the body to another
—> long, to cover more distance
—> branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form network throughout the body.
What are muscle cells specialised for? Name some of its properties.
Contract quickly
—> long so they have more space to contract
—> lots of mitochondria to generate energy for contractions
What are root hair cells specialised for? Name some of its properties.
Gives the plant a larger surface area
—> more water and minerals absorbed
—> sticks out into soil
What is the phloem made of?
Elongated living cells with small pores
Why does the phloem contain pores?
To allow cell sap to flow through.
What does the phloem transport?
Food substances for immediate use or storage
What is translocation and where does it occur?
Occurs in the phloem and is the movement of nutrients.
What direction of travel occurs in the phloem?
Transport goes both directions.
What is the xylem made of?
Dead cells with no end walls and a hole down the middle
What is the xylem strengthened with?
Lignin
What does the xylem carry?
Water and mineral ions from the roots to the stems and leaves.
What is transpiration and where does it occur?
Movement of water and it occurs in the xylem
What is differentiation?
The process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job
What’s another name for undifferentiated cells?
Stem cells
