Specialised Cells Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a specialised cell?
A cell with a specific structure and function, adapted to perform a particular task with an organism.
Why is it important that specialised cells have adaptations to them?
As it helps/allows them to perform their specific functions within their organisms.
What is the function of a root hair cell?
To absorb water and nutrients from the soil
What adaptations does a root hair cell have?
It provides a large surface area for the absorption of water and minerals into the cell.
What is the function of a palisade cell?
To carry out photosynthesis and make food for the plant.
What adaptations does a palisade cell have?
Several chloroplasts to absorb light energy for photosynthesis. It’s tall shape gives the cell a large surface area to maximise the absorption of light.
What is the function of a sperm cell?
To travel and fuse with an egg cell for fertilisation.
What adaptations does a sperm cell have?
It has a long tail for movement to get to the egg and lots of mitochondria to release energy for the sperm to move.
What is the function of a muscle cell?
To help the body to move.
What adaptations does a muscle cell have?
It contains bands of protein that help contract and relax the muscle. It also has lots of mitochondria to provide energy for muscle contraction.
What is the function of a nerve cell?
To carry nerve impulses around the body.
What adaptations does a nerve cell have?
It has long fibres that carry electrical impulses up and down the body and branching dendrites at each end to connect to nerves or muscles.
What is the function of a ciliated epithelial cell?
To move mucus away from the lungs.
What adaptations does a ciliated epithelial cell have?
Tiny hairs called cilia that help waft mucus along the airways and lots of mitochondria to release energy for the cilia to move.
What is the function of a red blood cell?
To transport oxygen around the body.
What adaptations does a red blood cell have?
Its biconcave shape increases the surface area for the diffusion of oxygen. There isn’t a nucleus so there is more room for haemoglobin, which binds oxygen molecules.
What is the function of a white blood cell?
To fight pathogens which cause disease.
What adaptations does a white blood cell have?
Some can change shape to squeeze out of blood vessels and engulf pathogens whilst some can produce antibodies or antitoxins.
What is the function of an egg cell?
To be fertilised by the sperm cell.
What adaptations does an egg cell have?
The cytoplasm contains nutrients for the developing embryo. The membrane changes after fertilisation by hardening its cell membrane to stop any more sperm from getting in.
