Cell specialisation

cell specialisation

The process by which a cell develops specific structures and functions to perform a particular task. In multicellular organisms, different cell types are adapted to carry out different roles, and each cell is specialized to suit its function.

cell specialisation example

A red blood cell is specialized to transport oxygen, while a muscle cell is specialized for contraction.

differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell (such as a stem cell) becomes more specialized in structure and function to perform a specific role in the body.

differentiation example

A stem cell in the bone marrow differentiates into a white blood cell to help fight infection.

stem cells and specialisation

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become any type of specialized cell through the process of differentiation.

stem cells and specialisation example

Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any of the 200+ types of cells in the human body.

specialised animal cells

Cells in animals are specialized to perform specific functions, with different structures suited to their roles.

types of specialised animal cells

red blood cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, sperm cells and egg cells

specialised animal cells

Cells in animals are specialized to perform specific functions, with different structures suited to their roles.

red blood cells

Cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

red blood cells specialisation

They have a biconcave shape to maximize surface area for oxygen absorption, no nucleus to carry more hemoglobin, and contain hemoglobin to bind oxygen.

red blood cells example

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

muscle cells

Cells that contract to produce movement.

muscle cells specialisation

They contain many mitochondria for energy, contractile proteins (actin and myosin) for contraction, and are long and cylindrical to allow efficient contraction

muscle cells example

Skeletal muscle cells contract to move bones during voluntary movement.

nerve cells

Cells that carry electrical impulses to and from the brain and spinal cord.

nerve cells specialisation

Neurons have long axons to transmit electrical signals, dendrites to receive signals, and a myelin sheath to speed up signal transmission.

nerve cells example

Motor neurons transmit impulses from the brain to muscles.

sperm cells

Cells involved in reproduction, carrying the male genetic information to the egg.

sperm cells specialisation

Sperm cells have a tail (flagellum) for swimming, a head that contains the genetic material, and an acrosome to break down the egg's outer layer.

sperm cells example

Sperm cells fertilize an egg during sexual reproduction.

egg cells

Female gametes responsible for reproduction.

egg cells specialisation

Egg cells are large, with a large store of nutrients (yolk) to support the developing embryo after fertilization.

egg cells example

The egg cell provides half of the genetic material for the offspring.

specialised plant cells

Plant cells also undergo specialization to carry out specific functions, such as photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and support.

types of specialised plant cells

root hair, xylem, phloem, palisade mesophyll, guard cells

root hair cells

Cells on the roots of plants that absorb water and minerals from the soil.

root hair cells specialisation

They have long, hair-like extensions that increase the surface area for absorption and a large vacuole for water storage.

root hair cell example

Root hair cells absorb water and minerals from the soil to nourish the plant.

xylem cells

Cells that form a tissue responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

xylem cells specialisation

Xylem cells have lignin in their cell walls to make them strong and waterproof. They are dead cells that form hollow tubes, allowing the movement of water.

xylem cells example

Xylem vessels transport water up from the roots to the leaves.

phloem cells

Xylem vessels transport water up from the roots to the leaves.

phloem cells specialisation

Phloem cells have sieve plates that allow the flow of sap and are connected end-to-end, forming long tubes.

phloem cells example

Phloem vessels carry sugars from the leaves to growing tissues and storage organs.

palisade mesophyll cells

Cells in the leaves of plants that carry out most of the photosynthesis.

palisade mesophyll specialisation

They have many chloroplasts to absorb sunlight and a rectangular shape that maximizes the surface area for light absorption.

palisade mesophyll example

Palisade cells in leaves capture sunlight for photosynthesis.

guard cells

Cells that control the opening and closing of the stomata (pores) in plant leaves.

guard cells specialisation

Guard cells are kidney-shaped and change shape to open and close the stomata. They contain chloroplasts and regulate water loss and gas exchange.

guard cells example

Guard cells regulate water loss by controlling the size of the stomatal pore, helping plants conserve water.

meristematic cells

Undifferentiated plant cells found in growth regions (meristems), such as the tips of roots and shoots. These cells continuously divide and differentiate into specialized cells.

meristematic cells example

Meristematic cells at the tip of a plant’s shoot divide and differentiate to form new tissues, like xylem or phloem.

tissue

A group of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific function. Tissues are made up of similar or identical cells that are adapted for the same job

tissue example

Muscle tissue is made up of muscle cells that contract together to produce movement

organ

A structure composed of different tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform a complex function in the body.

organ system example

The digestive system is made up of organs such as the stomach, intestines, and pancreas, which work together to digest food.