FlashFlowBiology - Cell Adaptations
Year 9 Cell adaptations leading onto GSCE
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What is a cell?
The basic unit of life
What is a specialised cell?
A cell adapted to carry out a particular function
What is a cell adaptation?
A feature that helps a cell perform its function
What is the function of the nucleus?
Controls the activities of the cell
What does the cell membrane do?
Controls what enters and leaves the cell
What is the function of cytoplasm?
Where most chemical reactions happen
What do mitochondria do?
Release energy through aerobic respiration
What do ribosomes make?
Proteins
What extra structures do plant cells have?
Cell wall
What is the function of the cell wall?
Supports and strengthens the cell
What is the cell wall made of?
Cellulose
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Absorb light for photosynthesis
What pigment is found in chloroplasts?
Chlorophyll
What is the function of the permanent vacuole?
Contains cell sap and keeps the cell firm
What is cell sap?
A solution containing water
Which cells contain chloroplasts?
Plant cells
Which cells have a permanent vacuole?
Plant cells
Which cells have a cellulose cell wall?
Plant cells
How is a sperm cell adapted?
It has a tail to help it swim
Why does a sperm cell have many mitochondria?
To provide energy for movement
What does the sperm cell carry?
Male genetic information
How is the sperm cell's nucleus adapted?
It contains genetic information from the father
How is an egg cell adapted?
It is large and contains nutrient-rich cytoplasm
Why does an egg cell contain nutrients?
To support the early embryo
What happens to the egg cell after fertilisation?
Its membrane changes to prevent another sperm entering
How is a red blood cell adapted?
It has a biconcave shape and no nucleus
What does haemoglobin carry?
Oxygen
Why does a red blood cell have no nucleus?
To leave more space for haemoglobin
Why is a red blood cell biconcave?
It gives a large surface area for oxygen exchange
How is a muscle cell adapted?
It contains many mitochondria
Why do muscle cells have many mitochondria?
To provide energy for contraction
What happens when muscle cells contract?
They shorten and produce movement
How is a nerve cell adapted?
It is long so it can carry electrical impulses over distance…
Why does a nerve cell have branched ends?
To connect with other nerve cells
How is a palisade cell adapted?
It contains many chloroplasts
Why do palisade cells have many chloroplasts?
To absorb more light for photosynthesis
Where are palisade cells found?
Near the top of leaves
Why are palisade cells near the top of leaves?
To receive more light
How is a root hair cell adapted?
It has a long hair-like extension
Why does a root hair cell have a long extension?
To increase its surface area
What does a root hair cell absorb?
Water and mineral ions
Why do root hair cells have many mitochondria?
To provide energy for active transport
What is active transport?
Movement of substances against a concentration gradient
Which cell uses active transport to absorb minerals?
Root hair cell
What is the function of xylem?
Transports water and mineral ions
What does xylem transport?
Water and mineral ions from roots to leaves
How are xylem vessels adapted?
They are hollow and strengthened with lignin
Why are xylem vessels hollow?
To allow water to flow through them
Why is lignin important in xylem?
It strengthens the vessels and prevents collapse
What is the function of phloem?
Transports dissolved sugars around the plant
What process does phloem carry out?
Translocation
What does phloem transport?
Dissolved sugars
How is a ciliated cell adapted?
It has tiny cilia on its surface
What do cilia do?
Move mucus and trapped particles
Where are ciliated cells found?
In the airways
How does mucus protect the lungs?
It traps dust and microorganisms
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that causes disease
How is a white blood cell adapted?
It can change shape to engulf pathogens
What do white blood cells produce?
Antibodies
What do antibodies do?
Help destroy specific pathogens
Why are white blood cells important?
They defend the body against pathogens
What is the function of guard cells?
Control the opening and closing of stomata
What are stomata?
Tiny pores that allow gases to enter and leave leaves
Why do plants need stomata?
For gas exchange
What gas enters leaves for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide
What gas is released during photosynthesis?
Oxygen
Why are cells adapted to their functions?
Their structures help them perform specific jobs
How does structure relate to cell function?
A cell's features allow it to carry out its specific job
What is the difference between a plant and animal cell?
Plant cells have a cell wall
Which specialised cell transports oxygen?
Red blood cell
Which specialised cell fertilises an egg?
Sperm cell
Which specialised cell absorbs water and minerals?
Root hair cell
Which specialised cell carries electrical impulses?
Nerve cell
Which specialised cell carries out lots of photosynthesis?
Palisade cell
Which tissue transports water in plants?
Xylem
Which tissue transports sugars in plants?
Phloem
Which cells help protect the lungs?
Ciliated cells
Which cells control stomata?
Guard cells