1.4 - 1.5 Specialisation in animal and plant cells

Function of the nerve cell

Transmits signals as electrical impulses around the body

Adaptations of the nerve cell

• Mylelin sheath - insulted the signal so it goes further

• dendrites - connects to other nerve cells

Function of the sperm cell

Carries genetic information to fertilise the egg

Adaptations of the sperm cell

• Tail - allows it to move

• Many mitochondria - lots of energy released

• Nucleus in head - contains genetic information

Function of the smooth muscle cell

Allows movement

Adaptations of the smooth muscle cell

• connected to bones via tendons

• filament bundles - make cells contract/relax

Function of the red blood cell

Transports oxygen

Adaptations of the red blood cell

• biconcave - more surface area for diffusion of gases

• haemoglobin - binds to oxygen

• no nucleus - save space

Function of the ciliated cell

Makes + sweep mucus to trap foreign matter

Adaptations of the ciliated cell

• hair like cilia - increase area for mucus secretion

• columnar - many form a lining

Function of the root hair cell

Absorbs water from the roots

Adaptations of the root hair cell

• extended cell membrane - large surface area to absorb water

• no chlorophyll - no need underground

• many mitochondria - active transport to absorb minerals

Function of the Xylem

Transports water throughout the plant

Adaptations of the Xylem

• not living -

• strengthened with lignin - support plant

• no cell wall/membrane at end - connects to other plants

Function of the Phloem

Transports Sugars throughout the plant

Adaptations of the Phloem cells

• Form sieve tubes(joined at end) - fast transport of sugars

• many mitochondria - release energy for active transport