B2.1 : Specialised Cells

Question 1

Nerve Cells

Answer 1

• Releases neurotransmitters
• Long length to transmit signals over long distances
• Axon only works in one direction

Question 2

Definition of Specialised Cells

Answer 2

A cell that adapts to perform its tasks and functions more efficiently

Question 3

Muscle Cells

Answer 3

• Responsible for contracting of muscles and pumping blood
• Can stretch to allow lengthening of muscles
• Has a lot of mitochondria to generate power

Question 4

Red Blood Cell

Answer 4

• Transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues
• Mature red blood cells have no organelles to have more space for haemoglobin
• Has haemoglobin which binds with oxygen
• Biconcave and round to increase surface area for maximum transportation
• Flexible to be able to fit through capillaries which are one cell wide

Question 5

Sperm Cell

Answer 5

• Fertilise the ovum
• Has genetic information to create a new organism
• Full of mitochondria for more respiration as it needs energy
• Has enzymes to enter the ovum on the tip of the cell
• Has a tail/flagellum to swim

Question 6

Ovum/Egg

Answer 6

• Carry the set of chromosomes contributed by the female and create the right environment to enable fertilisation by the sperm.
• Has a protective layer till the egg is fertilised
• Contains genetic material to grow and develop
• Has a large storage unit full off nutrients for the embryo

Question 7

Palisade Cell

Answer 7

• Found in the mesophyll of a leaf
• Absorb light so that photosynthesis can take place
• Main site of photosynthesis
• Transparent
• Packed with chlorophyll to absorb sunlight
• Large vacuole for storage

Question 8

Root Hair Cells

Answer 8

• Absorb nutrients, minerals, and water from the soil and transport it to the rest of the plant
• Only found in plants
• Do not contain chloroplast as it never sees the sun so it is unnecessary
• Long and narrow to increase surface area for maximum absorption

Question 9

Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Answer 9

• Has small hairs called cilia which move mucus sweeping it away from the lungs
• The hairs sweep hair, mucus, trapped dust and bacteria up to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed.