1.1.3 Cell Specialisation

What is cell specialisation?

Cell specialisation is the process where cells develop new sub-cellular structures so they can carry out a specific function.

How do animals and plants differ in cell specialisation?

In animals, most cells only differentiate once early in life, but in plants, many cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout life.

What is the role of sperm cells?

Sperm cells are specialised to carry the male's DNA to the egg cell for successful reproduction.

How are sperm cells adapted to their function?

Sperm cells have a streamlined head and long tail for swimming, many mitochondria to supply energy, and an acrosome containing enzymes to break down the egg cell membrane.

What is the role of nerve cells?

Nerve cells are specialised to transmit electrical signals quickly from one part of the body to another.

How are nerve cells adapted to their function?

Nerve cells have a long axon to carry impulses over distances, dendrites to connect with other nerve cells, and many mitochondria in nerve endings to provide energy for transmitting neurotransmitters.

What is the role of muscle cells?

Muscle cells are specialised to contract quickly to cause movement.

How are muscle cells adapted to their function?

Muscle cells contain special proteins (actin and myosin) that slide past each other for contraction, lots of mitochondria to supply energy, and they can store glycogen for respiration.

What is the role of root hair cells?

Root hair cells are specialised to take up water and mineral ions from the soil.

How are root hair cells adapted to their function?

Root hair cells have a large surface area for water uptake, a large permanent vacuole to speed osmosis, and many mitochondria to supply energy for active transport of minerals.

What is the role of xylem cells?

Xylem cells are specialised to transport water and mineral ions from the roots to the shoots.

How are xylem cells adapted to their function?

Xylem cells are hollow tubes joined end to end, strengthened by lignin in spirals, which helps withstand the pressure of moving water.

What is the role of phloem cells?

Phloem cells are specialised to carry the products of photosynthesis around the plant.

How are phloem cells adapted to their function?

Phloem cells have cell walls with sieve plates that allow substances to move between cells, and companion cells with mitochondria that supply energy to keep them alive.