B2.1.5

Question 1

Why do cells become specialised

Answer 1

Cells become specialised to do a particular job. A cells structure changes so it’s better adapted for it’s function making the organism more efficient.

Question 2

How are sperm cells specialised

Answer 2

Flagellum - whips from side to side propelling the sperm to the ovum
Mitochondria - Lots of mitochondria so lots of energy is transferred to chemical stores
Acrosome - Stores digestive enzymes breaking down outer layers of the ovum allowing for sperm to transfer and incorporate its genetic material.

Question 3

How are ciliated cells specialised

Answer 3

In between these cells are goblet cells producing mucus trapping dirt and bacteria. The cilia sweeps mucus away from lungs to throat. You swallow mucus and kill bacteria.

Question 4

How are palisade cells specialised

Answer 4

They are specialised for photosynthesis . Found near the surface of the cell and packed full of chloroplasts. Regular shape to allow close packing within the leaf to maximise absorption of sunlight.

Question 5

How are fat cells specialised

Answer 5

Specialised cells storing fat. Enabling an animal to survive when food is short. Fat cells have a small layer of cytoplasm around the fat reservoir allowing them to expand up to 1000x their original size

Question 6

How are red blood cells specialised

Answer 6

Red blood cells are specialised to transport oxygen around the body. They have 3 main adaptations:
.Biconcave discs - they are a biconcave shape which leads to a higher SA:VOL ratio speeding up diffusion of oxygen into the cell and CO2 out of the cell
.Packed full of haemoglobin which binds to oxygen
.No nucleus so more space for haemoglobin