Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the primary function of a sperm cell's flagellum?
Which of the following is the primary function of a sperm cell's flagellum?
- To protect the sperm's DNA from damage.
- To navigate towards the egg cell using chemical signals.
- To facilitate movement through the female reproductive system. (correct)
- To provide energy for cell division.
Why is it essential for sperm cells to contain only half the genetic material of a normal cell?
Why is it essential for sperm cells to contain only half the genetic material of a normal cell?
- To prevent mutations during cell division.
- To allow the sperm cell to move more efficiently.
- To reduce the energy required for fertilization.
- To ensure the resulting cell after fertilization has the correct amount of genetic material. (correct)
What is the relationship between cell differentiation and specialization?
What is the relationship between cell differentiation and specialization?
- Differentiation prevents cells from specializing.
- Differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized. (correct)
- Specialization is the reverse process of differentiation.
- Specialization occurs independently of differentiation.
Which of the following best explains why different types of specialized cells, like nerve and muscle cells, have different structures?
Which of the following best explains why different types of specialized cells, like nerve and muscle cells, have different structures?
What critical role do mitochondria play in sperm cell function?
What critical role do mitochondria play in sperm cell function?
During the differentiation process, what happens to the shape, structure, and organelle combination of a cell?
During the differentiation process, what happens to the shape, structure, and organelle combination of a cell?
What is a characteristic of stem cells that differentiates them from specialized cells?
What is a characteristic of stem cells that differentiates them from specialized cells?
Which of the following describes how cells change during differentiation?
Which of the following describes how cells change during differentiation?
Why do sperm cells have digestive enzymes at the front?
Why do sperm cells have digestive enzymes at the front?
Which of the following occurs during cell specialization?
Which of the following occurs during cell specialization?
Flashcards
Specialized Cells
Specialized Cells
Cells with specific roles, shapes, structures, and organelle compositions suited to their functions.
Differentiation
Differentiation
Process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.
Sperm Cell's Role
Sperm Cell's Role
Delivers genetic material to fertilize an egg cell, has a flagellum for swimming, and enzymes to penetrate the egg.
Stem Cells
Stem Cells
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Specialized Cells
- Complex organisms, such as humans and pea plants, are composed of various specialized cells.
- Animal examples include sperm cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells, with approximately 200 types in humans.
- Plant specialized cells include root hair cells, xylem cells, and phloem cells.
Sperm Cell Specialization
- A sperm cell's primary function is to deliver genetic material to an egg cell for fertilization.
- Sperm cells are adapted to contain half the genetic material of a normal cell to combine with the egg cell's genetic material.
- Sperm cells feature a flagellum that acts like a tail, enabling them to swim through the uterus and fallopian tube.
- The streamlined shape of a sperm cell aids in swimming.
- Numerous mitochondria in the sperm cell provide the energy required for swimming.
- Digestive enzymes located at the front of the sperm cell help to break a hole into the egg cell.
- Specialized cells are characterized by their specific roles, shapes, structures, and organelle compositions.
- Red blood cells and nerve cells have distinctly different shapes, structures, and organelle complements due to their different functions.
Differentiation
- Differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized.
- The process starts with a single cell (zygote) that divides through mitosis.
- Early-stage cells are identical before differentiating into specialized cells like muscle, skin, nerve, or red blood cells.
- Differentiation involves changes to a cell's shape, structure, and organelle composition.
Stem Cells
- Stem cells possess the capability to repeatedly divide by mitosis and differentiate into various types of specialized cells.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
