Cell Biology and Transport Study Notes

What adaptations does a red blood cell have?

• Biconcave shape = larger surface area for oxygen

• No nucleus = more room for haemoglobin

• Packed with haemoglobin to carry oxygen

• Flexible to fit through capillaries

What adaptations does a nerve cell have?

• Long axon carries impulses long distances

• Branched ends connect to other cells

• Myelin sheath insulates and speeds up signals

• Many mitochondria for energy

What adaptations does a muscle cell have?

• Contains protein fibres that contract

• Many mitochondria for respiration

• Stores glycogen for energy release

What adaptations does a sperm cell have?

• ail helps it swim

• Many mitochondria for movement energy

• Acrosome contains enzymes to enter egg

• Haploid nucleus contains half the chromosomes

What adaptations does a root hair cell have?

• Long hair increases surface area

• Thin wall for faster absorption

• Many mitochondria for active transport

• Absorbs water and minerals

What adaptations does a palisade cell have?

• acked with chloroplasts for photosynthesis

• Tall shape absorbs more light

• Large vacuole pushes chloroplasts near edge

What adaptations does a xylem cell have?

• Hollow tubes for water transport

• No end walls for continuous flow

• Thick lignin walls for strength

What adaptations does a phloem cell have?

• Sieve plates allow sugar movement

• Companion cells provide energy

• Transports dissolved sugars around plant