The organisation and specialisation of cells

Question 1

What is the role of neutrophils (type of white blood cell)?

Answer 1

• essential in immune system

Question 2

What is the role of erythrocytes (red blood cells)?

Answer 2

• transport oxygen

Question 3

What is the role of sperm cell?

Answer 3

• deliver genetic information to female gamete

Question 4

What is the role of root hair cell?

Answer 4

• uptake of water and minerals from the soil

Question 5

What is the role of palisade cells?

Answer 5

• contain chloroplasts to absorb light for photosynthesis

- present in mesophyll

Question 6

What is the role of guard cells?

Answer 6

• form small openings (stomata) to let CO2 enter for photosynthesis

Question 7

What is the role of epithelial squamous?

Answer 7

• present when rapid diffusion across surface needed

- lines lungs to allow diffusion of oxygen into blood

Question 8

What is the role of ciliated epithelial columnar?

Answer 8

• lines trachea

- e.g. sweeping mucus away from lungs

Question 9

How are neutrophils specialised for their role?

Answer 9

• multi-lobed nucleus so squeeze through small gaps

- granular cytoplasm contains lots of lysosomes that contain enzymes to attack pathogens

Question 10

How are erythrocytes specialised for their role?

Answer 10

• flattened biconcave shape increasing SA:V ratio
• no nuclei increases space available for haemoglobin
• flexible so squeeze through narrow capillaries

Question 11

How are sperm cells specialised for their role?

Answer 11

• have flagellum to allow motion
• many mitochondria to supply energy
• acrosome on head of sperm contains digestive enzymes which digest protective layers around ovum

Question 12

How are root hair cells specialised for their role?

Answer 12

• long extensions called root hair cells increase surface area: maximises roles

Question 13

How are palisade cells specialised for their role?

Answer 13

• cells are rectangular which can be closely packed in continuous layer
• thin walls increasing rate of diffusion of CO2
• large vacuole to maintain turgor pressure

Question 14

How are guard cells specialised for their role?

Answer 14

• lose water and become less swollen as a result of osmotic forces they change shape and close stomata
• cell wall thicker on one side so doesn’t change shape symmetrically as volume changes

Question 15

How are epithelial squamous cells specialised for their role?

Answer 15

• very thin due to squat/flat cells and only 1 cell thick

Question 16

How are ciliated epithelial columnar specialised for their rule?

Answer 16

• cilia on one surface

- goblet cells releasing mucus to trap unwanted particles present in air. Prevents said particles reaching alveoli