Cells adapted for jobs

By UK GCSE Biology · independent study · myAudience

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Cells adapted for jobs

Specialized cells have features suited to particular tasks. A sperm cell has a flagellum for movement and mitochondria supporting that movement. A nerve cell has a long extension for carrying signals. Muscle cells contain structures that contract and require energy.

Root hair cells increase the surface available for water and mineral-ion uptake. Xylem vessels form supported transport pathways, while phloem contains living transport tissue associated with movement of sugars. A larger surface is useful only in context: ask which material moves, which route it follows and whether diffusion, osmosis or active transport explains the movement.

Xylem vessels have no living contents at maturity and form a continuous route for water, with strengthened walls that resist collapse. Phloem includes living sieve tubes supported by companion cells and carries dissolved sugars. Those tissues differ from a root hair, which is one living cell with a projection into soil. Name the transported substance before explaining the adaptation.

Worked example: Explain one advantage of a root hair’s long projection.

The projection increases surface area

More membrane contacts the soil solution

Answer: This supports uptake of water and mineral ions.

Check your understanding: Why do active muscle cells contain many mitochondria?

Answer: To support the energy demands of contraction.

Why: Aerobic respiration in mitochondria transfers energy to usable cellular carriers.