Specialised Cells and Their Adaptations

Vocabulary flashcards covering specialised animal and plant cells, their key structures, and their functional adaptations.

Adaptation

Features present in a cell that enable it to carry out specialised functions.

Nerve Cell (Neurone)

A specialised cell whose function is to transmit electrical impulses to distant parts of the body.

Dendrites

Branched structures of a nerve cell that collect electrical impulses from nearby neurons.

Axon

A very long, thin cytoplasmic extension of a neurone that transmits electrical impulses over long distances.

Red Blood Cell

A specialised cell whose function is to transport oxygen around the body.

Haemoglobin

A red pigment (protein) contained in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Lack of Nucleus in Red Blood Cells

An adaptation where the cell contains no nucleus, providing more space for haemoglobin and oxygen.

Lack of Mitochondria in Red Blood Cells

An adaptation where the cell has no mitochondria to prevent the use of the oxygen it transports.

Biconcave Shape

The indented disc shape of red blood cells that provides a larger surface area to carry more $O_2$.

Root Hair Cell

A specialised plant cell whose function is to absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

Root Hair Extension

A long, thin extension of a root hair cell that provides a larger surface area to increase the absorption of water and mineral ions.

Absence of Chloroplasts in Root Hair Cells

Root hair cells contain no chloroplasts because they are located underground where there is no light, meaning they do not carry out photosynthesis.

Ciliated Cells

Animal cells that prevent the entry of pathogens to the lungs.

Cilia

Hair-like structures present on the surface of ciliated cells that sweep mucus upwards to the back of the mouth.

Mucus

A secreted substance in the respiratory tract whose function is to trap dust and pathogens.