Topic Summaries

Cell specialisation

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Stem cells, microscopy, and microorganisms

Pathogens and non-specific immunity

Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies

Resource cycles and environmental change

Cell Function Specialised structure

Sperm cell (animal)

Travel through the female reproductive system to fertilise an ovum (egg cell)
  • Tail to swim
  • Large number of mitochondria to release energy to swim

Nerve cell (animal)

Transmit electrical signals quickly through nervous system
  • Long cell extension (axons)
  • Myelin sheath insulator increases the speed of transmission of electrical impulses
  • Cell body has extensions to pick up signals from neighbouring cells

Muscle cell (animal)

Contract and relax
  • Large number of mitochondria to provide energy for contraction

Root hair cell (plant)

Absorb water and minerals from soil
  • Small thin extension to increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals

Xylem (plant)

Carry water and dissolved minerals upwards from roots up plant stems for transpiration
  • Empty dead cells form long hollow tubes with no end walls
  • Lignin inside walls supports plant weight

Phloem cell (plant)

Carry sucrose in cell sap from leaves to other parts of the plant via translocation
  • Living cells form tubes
  • Contain few organelles so sugar travels easily
  • End walls contain small holes (sieve plates)

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