3 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is the process called when cells become specialized to perform distinct functions?
Differentiation
Differentiation allows cells to acquire different subcellular structures for specific functions.
Do most types of animal cells differentiate at an early stage or retain the ability to differentiate throughout life?
Most types of animal cells differentiate at an early stage of development
In contrast, many plant cells can differentiate throughout their life.
What adaptations do nerve cells have for carrying electrical impulses?
- Lots of dendrites to make connections to other nerve cells
- Axon that carries the nerve impulse
- Nerve endings or synapses adapted to pass impulses using special transmitter chemicals
What type of specialized cells are responsible for muscle contraction?
Muscle cells
Striated muscle cells specifically contract and relax to facilitate movement.
List the three adaptations of striated muscle cells.
- Contain special proteins that slide over each other to contract
- Contain many mitochondria for energy transfer
- Can store glycogen for energy during cellular respiration
What is the primary function of sperm cells?
To fertilize an egg
Sperm cells must navigate through water or the female reproductive system to reach the egg.
What adaptations help sperm cells move towards the egg?
- Long tail that whips from side to side
- Middle section filled with mitochondria for energy
- Acrosome storing digestive enzymes to break down the egg’s outer layers
- Large nucleus containing genetic information
True or False: As an organism develops, cells remain identical in structure and function.
False
Cells differentiate to form different types of specialized cells.
What do specialized animal cells, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and sperm cells, enable?
Function within a tissue, an organ, organ systems, or a whole organ system
Each specialized cell type plays a crucial role in the overall function of the organism.
