Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology
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Specialised Cells & Organisation
Specialised Cells: Experts in Their Job
Specialised cells are like workers in a factory—each one has a specific job to do.
- Specialised cells are cells that have adapted certain characteristics and properties that allow them to perform a specifc job well. These characteristics and properties are controlled by the genes and DNA in the nucleus.
- The process that turns a cell into a specialised cell is called differentiation. During differentiation a cell will develop the properties and characteristics that allow it to carry out a specifc job
Specialised Cells in Animals
Cell | Function | Characteristics and Properties |
---|---|---|
Ciliated Cell | Helps move mucus in the trachea and bronchi |
Cilia (Hair-like Structures) beat rhythmically to move mucus and trapped particles away from the lungs or along the oviduct. Thin Membranes which Allow for easy absorption of oxygen and nutrients for their activity. |
Neurone (Nerve Cell) | Conduct electrical impulses for communication |
Long Axon which helps transmits electrical impulses over long distances. The Myelin Sheath insulates the axon and speeds up impulse transmission. Dendrites: extend from the cell and branch out to help Receive signals from other neurones and communicate. |
Red Blood Cells | Transport oxygen using hemoglobin |
Biconcave Shape increases surface area for more efficient oxygen diffusion. Contains heamoglobin which binds to oxygen and helps transport it No Nucleus and leaves more space for haemoglobin to carry oxygen. Flexible structure can squeeze through narrow capillaries. |
Sperm Cell | Reproduction |
Tail (Flagellum) helps it to swim towards the egg. Midpiece contains a large amount of Mitochondria. This helps provide eneergy to swim to the egg to fertilise Provide energy for movement. The Acrosome in the head contains enzymes to penetrate the egg’s outer layer and also a larger than usual Nucleus to transport the DNA to the egg. The streamlined shape helps it move faster through the female reproductive tract. |
Egg Cell | Reproduction |
The large cyptoplasm contains nutrients to support early embryo development. Jelly coat protects the egg and hardens after fertilization to prevent entry of additional sperm. Haploid Nucleus ensures the correct chromosome number is restored at fertilization. |
Specilised Cells in Plants
Cell | Function | Characteristics and Properties |
---|---|---|
Root Hair Cell |
Absorb water and minerals from the soil. |
Long, hair-like projection: Increases surface area for absorbing water and minerals. Thin Cell Wall allows water to enter easily by osmosis. Large Vacuole stores water and helps maintain a concentration gradient |
Palisade Mesophyll Cells | Photosynthesis |
Packed with chloroplasts maximizes light absorption for photosynthesis. Elongated Shape and many layers under the upper epidermis Allows more cells to be packed into the leaf. Thin Cell Wall enables quick diffusion of gases like carbon dioxide.
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