B1 -Cell Differentiation and Specialisation

Question	Answer
What's differentiation?	When a cell changes to become specialized for it's job
When does differentiation occur in most animal cells?	During development, as the ability to differentiate is lost once cells become specialized
When do plant cells lose the ability to differentiate?	In most plant cells, never.
What are cells that differentiate in mature animals used for?	Repairing and replacing cells
What are undifferentiated cells called?	Stem Cells
How are sperm cells specialized?	Long tail and streamlined head to get to the egg Lots of mitochondria to provide needed energy Enzymes in head to to digest the egg's membrane
How are nerve cells specialized?	Long to cover more distance Branched connections so they can connect to other nerve cells and form a network
How are muscle cells specialized?	Long - space to contract Lots of mitochondria - for energy needed
How are root hair cells specialized?	Large surface area - increased water and mineral intake
How are phloem and xylem cells specialized?	Long and joined end to end - forms tubes Hollow / small subcellular structures - stuff flows through them

Resource summary

	Created by Jessie Howes over 6 years ago