Cell Differentiation And Specialisation Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the definition of differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job.
When do most differentiation occur?
Most differentiation occurs as an organism develops.
When do animal cells loose the ability to differentiate?
In most animal cells, the ability to differentiate is then lost at an early stage, after they have become specialised.
When do plant cells loose the ability to differentiate?
Lots of plant cells Don’t ever lose this ability to differentiate.
What are the cells used for that differentiate?
The cells that differentiate in mature animals are mainly used for repairing and replacing cells, such as skin or blood cells.
Some cells are undifferentiated, what are they called?
They are called Stem Cells.
What are examples of specialised cells?
Sperm cells - they are specialised for Reproduction.
Nerve cells - they are specialised for Rapid Signalling.
Muscle cells - they are used for Contraction.
Root hair cells - they are specialised for Absorbing Water and Minerals.
Phloem and Xylem cells - they are specialised for Transporting Substances.
What is the function of Sperm cells and how are they specialised?
The function of a sperm cell is basically to get the male DNA to the female DNA.
It has a long tail and a stream lined head to help it swim to the egg.
There are lots of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed.
It also carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
