Cell Differentiation and Specialisation

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Differentiation
It is the process by which a cell changes to become specialised. As cells change, they develop different subcellular structures and turn into different types of cells. This allows them to carry out specific functions.
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Sperm Cells
Specialised for reproduction. It has a long tail and a streamlined head so it can swim to the egg. There are a lot of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed. It carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
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Nerve Cells
Specialised for rapid signalling from one part of the body to the other. They are long (to cover more distance) and have branched connections at their ends to connect to other cells and form a network throughout the body.
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Muscle Cells
Specialised for contraction. These cells are long (so that they have space to contract), and contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction.
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Root Hair Cells
Specialised for absorbing water and minerals. They are cells on the surface of plant roots, which grow into long hairs that stick out into the soil. This gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
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Phloem and Xylem Cells
Specialised for transporting substances such as food and water around plants. To form the tubes, the cells are long and joined end to end. Xylem cells are hollow and phloem cells have little subcellular structures so things can flow through them.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Specialised for reproduction. It has a long tail and a streamlined head so it can swim to the egg. There are a lot of mitochondria in the cell to provide the energy needed. It carries enzymes in its head to digest through the egg cell membrane.

Back

Sperm Cells

Card 3

Front

Specialised for rapid signalling from one part of the body to the other. They are long (to cover more distance) and have branched connections at their ends to connect to other cells and form a network throughout the body.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Specialised for contraction. These cells are long (so that they have space to contract), and contain lots of mitochondria to generate the energy needed for contraction.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Specialised for absorbing water and minerals. They are cells on the surface of plant roots, which grow into long hairs that stick out into the soil. This gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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