Biology - Cell differentiation and specialisation

What is differentiation?

The process by which a cell changes to become specialised for it's job.

When do animal cells loose the ability to differentiate?

At an early stage

When do plant cells loose the ability to differentiate?

Never

What are undifferentiated cells called?

Stem cells

What are sperm cells specialised for?

Reproduction

What are the functions and adaptions of a sperm cell?

To get male DNA to the female DNA. It has a long tail and a streamlined head to swim fast. Lots of mitochondria for energy and carries enzymes in head to digest the egg cell membrane.

What are nerve cells specialised for?

Rapid signalling

What are the functions and adaptions of a nerve cell?

Carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another. They are long to cover more distance and have branched connections at the ens to connect to other nerve cells and form a network through the body.

What are muscle cells specialised for?

Contraction

What are the functions and adaptions of a muscle cell?

Contract quickly. They are long to have space to contract and lots of mitochondria to generate energy for contraction.

What are root hair cells specialised for?

Absorbing water and minerals

What are the functions and adaptions of a root hair cell?

Cells on the surface of plant roots that grow into long “Hairs” that stick into the soil. This gives the plant a large surface area for absorbing water and minerals.

What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?

Transporting substances

What are the functions and adaptions of a phloem and xylem cell?

Form phloem and xylem tubes that transport substances such as food and water around plants. To form the tubes, the cells arw long and joined end to end. Xylem cells are hollow in the centre and phloem cells have few subcellular structures.