Cell differentiation and specialisation

Question	Answer
What is differentiation?	The process by which a cell changes to become specialised for a job, developing different subcellular structures and becoming a different type of cell.
When does differentiation occur?	Mostly as the organism develops. The ability to differentiate is generally lost at an early stage (after they become specialised) However, lots of plants cells don't ever lose the ability
How are sperm cells specialised?	For reproduction- to get the male DNA to the female DNA long tail, streamlined head- to help it swim lots of mitochondria- supply energy enzymes in head- break through egg cell membrane
How are nerve cells specialised?	For rapid signalling- carrying electric signals around body long- cover more distance branched connections- connect to other nerve cells and create a network throughout the body
How are root hair cells specialised?	For contracting quickly long- more space to contract lots of mitochondria- supply energy
How are phloem and xylem cells specialised?	For transporting substances around the plant Long, joined end to end- form tubes hollow, few subcellular structure- stuff can flow through

Resource summary

	Created by James Curry about 6 years ago