This deep dive covers Specialized Cells within Cell Structure for GCSE Biology. Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, animal and plant cell organelles, bacterial cells, specialized cells, and microscopy It is section 5 of 17 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 17
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
🎯 Specialized Cells
Multicellular organisms have cells that are specialized for specific functions. Their structure is adapted to their role:
🏃 Sperm Cell
- Function: Fertilize egg cell
- Adaptations:
- Tail for swimming
- Many mitochondria for energy
- Acrosome with enzymes to penetrate egg
- Streamlined head shape
🥚 Egg Cell
- Function: Be fertilized and develop into new organism
- Adaptations:
- Large size with nutrients for early development
- Protective layers around the cell
- Haploid nucleus ready for fertilization
⚡ Nerve Cell
- Function: Carry electrical impulses
- Adaptations:
- Long axon to carry signals long distances
- Branched dendrites to connect with other neurons
- Myelin sheath for insulation
- Many mitochondria at synapses
🔴 Red Blood Cell
- Function: Transport oxygen around the body
- Adaptations:
- No nucleus - more space for haemoglobin
- Biconcave shape - large surface area
- Flexible to squeeze through capillaries
- Small size to pass through narrow vessels
🌱 Root Hair Cell
- Function: Absorb water and minerals from soil
- Adaptations:
- Long projection increases surface area
- Thin cell wall for easy absorption
- Many mitochondria for active transport
- Large permanent vacuole
🚰 Xylem Cell
- Function: Transport water and minerals up the plant
- Adaptations:
- Dead when mature — no cytoplasm, forming a hollow tube
- Cell walls thickened with lignin for strength
- Cells join end-to-end forming continuous tubes
- Pits in walls allow water movement between cells
🍯 Phloem Cell
- Function: Transport dissolved sugars around the plant
- Adaptations:
- Sieve plates with pores between cells
- Companion cells provide energy
- Few organelles to allow flow of sap
- Living cells (unlike xylem)