Specialised cells Flashcards
What are palisade leaf cells adapted for?
Photosynthesis
In which part of a leaf are the palisade leaf cells found and why?
They are found grouped together at the top of the leaf so they are nearer the light as this is where photosynthesis takes place.
What shape is the palisade leaf cell and why?
It is quite a tall shape which means a lot of surface area exposed down the side for absorbing C02 from the air in the leaf.
What are guard cells adapted for?
For open and closed pores.
What shape are guard cells and why?
They are a special kidney shape which opens and closes the stomata (pores) in a leaf.
What happens to a guard cell when the plant is filled with water?
The guard cells fill with lots of water and go plump and turgid. This makes the stomata open and so gasses can be exchanged for photosynthesis.
What happens to a guard cell when a plant is short of water?
The guard cells lose water and become flaccid, making the stomata close which stops too much water vapour escaping.
What makes the opening and closing of a guard cell work more smoothly?
They have thin outer walls and thickened inner walls.
What are red blood cells adapted for?
To carry oxygen.
What shape are red blood cells and why?
Red blood cells have a concave shape which gives a big surface area for absorbing oxygen. It also helps them pass smoothly through capillaries to reach body cells.
What pigment is in a red blood cell and what does it do?
Haemoglobin. It is a pigment that absorbs the oxygen.
What part of a cell doesn’t the red blood cell have which most cells do and why doesn’t it have this?
They have no nucleus to leave more room for haemoglobin.
What are sperm and egg cells specialised for?
Reproduction
What are the main functions of an egg cell?
To carry the female DNA and to nourish the developing embryo in the early stages. The egg cell contains huge food reserves to feed the embryo.
What is the main function of a sperm cell?
To get the male DNA to the female DNA.
