1.2: adaptations of specialised cells

How are sperm cells adapted?

Acrosome containing an enzyme to penetrate the egg cell, haploid nucleus containing the genetic information, has many mitochondria for energy, flagella to enable it to move through liquids

How is an egg cell adapted?

Nutrients in the cytoplasm to help the baby to grow, haploid nucleus containing the genetic information, mitochondria, changes in the cell wall after fertilisation, the membrane fuses to join with the sperm cell to make a baby, found in the ovaries, protective jelly coat which hardens after fertilisation

How is a ciliated epithelial cell from the breathing system adapted?

Designed to stop lung damage, hairs sweep mucus and dust to the top of the throat to be swallowed

How is a root hair cell adapted?

Absorbs water by having a larger surface area and thin walls to increase the rate of absorption

How is a palisade cell adapted?

Used for photosynthesis and found in leaves, has many chloroplasts, large surface area, a continuous layer of palisade cells inside leaves to be able to absorb most sunlight for efficient photosynthesis

How is a neuron cell adapted?

Communicates signals to target cells and determines if information should be passed along, dendrites receive signals from other cells, axon transfers signals to other cells and organs, the axon terminal forms junctions with other cells

How is a phloem cell adapted?

Is responsible for the transport and distribution of sugars produced by photosynthesis, a sieve plate supports the tube whilst allowing sap to travel in both directions through pores, the tube has no organelles to obstruct sap flow, the cell wall resists high pressure inside the tube

How is a xylem adapted?

Transports water and nutrients from the soil area to stems and leaves as well as providing mechanical support and storage, has thick cell walls to provide support, tube has no organelles or cytoplasm to obstruct sap flow, no end walls between cells, one way flow