Biology Specialized Cells Overview

Questions and Answers

What are specialized cells?

Cells designed to carry out a certain role with specific components and a specific structure.

What is an egg cell?

The female sex cell made in the ovaries and released during the menstrual cycle.

How is an egg cell adapted to its role?

The nucleus contains genetic material and the cytoplasm contains nutrients for the embryo to grow.

What is a sperm cell?

The male sex cell made in the testes after puberty. Signup and view all the answers

How is a sperm cell adapted to its role?

The tail supports movement towards the egg; contains lots of mitochondria for energy; nucleus has genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a red blood cell?

Cells found in the blood that contain haemoglobin to carry oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

How is a red blood cell adapted to its role?

The disc shape increases surface area for oxygen absorption, and it has no nucleus to allow more space for oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a white blood cell?

Part of the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. Signup and view all the answers

How is a white blood cell adapted to its role?

They have an irregular shape to squeeze out of blood vessels and surround pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nerve cell?

Cells that transmit electrical signals in the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

How is a nerve cell adapted to its role?

They are thin and long for long-distance message transmission, with branched connections and a myelin sheath. Signup and view all the answers

What is a muscle cell?

Cells found in bundles that make up muscles throughout the body. Signup and view all the answers

How is a muscle cell adapted to its role?

Muscle cells can contract and relax and are located in various muscles like cardiac and skeletal muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fat cell?

Cells that store energy in the form of fat. Signup and view all the answers

How is a fat cell adapted to its role?

Fat cells can expand to store more fat and have few mitochondria, needing little energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ciliated cell?

Cells found in the airways to move mucus and dust out, also in oviducts to move egg cells. Signup and view all the answers

How is a ciliated cell adapted to its role?

Ciliated cells have tiny hairs (cilia) that beat in a rhythm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specialized Cells Overview

Specialized cells are designed to perform specific functions in the body.
These cells have unique structures and components that enable them to carry out their roles effectively.

Egg Cell

The female sex cell produced in the ovaries, released during the menstrual cycle.
Combines with sperm during fertilization to form an embryo.
Contains a nucleus with genetic material and cytoplasm filled with nutrients to support embryo growth.

Sperm Cell

The male sex cell created in the testes after puberty.
Joins with an egg during fertilization to create an embryo.
Features a tail for movement, high mitochondrial content for energy, and a nucleus housing genetic information.

Red Blood Cell

Cells present in the blood responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Contains hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
The disc shape enhances surface area for maximum oxygen absorption; lacks a nucleus, allowing greater oxygen capacity.

White Blood Cell

Part of the immune system, these cells help combat infections and diseases.
Possess an irregular shape to squeeze through blood vessel walls to reach infection sites.
Some can alter shape to encapsulate and destroy pathogens.

Nerve Cell

Transmits electrical signals within the nervous system.
Long and thin structure facilitates message transmission over long distances.
Features branched connections for efficient communication and is insulated by a fatty myelin sheath to speed up signal transmission.

Muscle Cell

Cells that form muscles in the body, found in bundles.
Capable of contraction and relaxation to enable movement.
Includes various types such as cardiac muscle (heart), skeletal muscle (attached to bones), and smooth muscle (e.g., stomach lining).

Fat Cell

Stores energy as fat.
Can expand to accommodate more fat storage and contains minimal mitochondria, reflecting low energy requirements.
Provides soft elastic padding to protect organs.

Ciliated Cell

Located in airways to help move mucus and dust out, and in oviducts to transport egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus.
Characterized by tiny hair-like structures called cilia that beat rhythmically to facilitate movement.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential functions and characteristics of specialized cells, including egg cells, sperm cells, and red blood cells. Understand how these cells are uniquely structured to fulfill their roles in the body, from reproduction to oxygen transport. Test your knowledge on the different types of specialized cells and their significance.