Specialised Animal and Plant Cells

This page provides an overview of various specialised cells found in animals and plants, highlighting their unique structures and functions.

Specialised Animal Cells:

1. Red Blood Cells: These bi-concave cells carry oxygen around the body through the bloodstream.

Highlight: Red blood cells have a high surface area to volume ratio for efficient gas diffusion.

2. Neutrophils (White Blood Cells): These cells ingest invading pathogens as part of the immune response.

Vocabulary: Phagocytosis - the process by which cells engulf and destroy foreign particles or microorganisms.

3. Sperm Cells: These cells carry genetic information from the father and fertilize the egg cell.

Example: Sperm cells have many mitochondria to provide energy for swimming.

4. Ciliated Epithelial Cells: These cells line certain structures within the body, such as airways, and move substances like mucus.

5. Squamous Epithelial Cells: These flat, thin cells line certain structures within the body, such as the intestine, and allow for efficient substance transportation.

Specialised Plant Cells:

1. Palisade Cells: Found at the top and bottom of plant structures, these cells are responsible for photosynthesis.

Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.

2. Root Hair Cells: Located in plant roots, these cells absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Highlight: Root hair cells have hair-like projections to increase surface area for absorption.

3. Guard Cells: Found at the bottom of leaves near stomata, these cells control the opening and closing of stomata for gas exchange and water regulation.

Vocabulary: Stomata - tiny pores in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange.

The page also includes information on stem cells and their types:

1. Adult Stem Cells: Found in bone marrow, brain, and muscle, these cells act as a repair system.
2. Embryonic Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells from embryos that can create a whole organism.
3. Plant Stem Cells: Located in the meristem of roots and shoots, these cells can differentiate into any plant cell type.
4. Cambium Meristem Cells: Found in the center of plants, especially trees, these cells differentiate into xylem and phloem cells.

Lastly, the page covers the stages of the cell cycle and its regulation through checkpoints:

1. G₁ Phase: Cell growth and preparation for DNA replication
2. S Phase: DNA replication
3. G₂ Phase: Further growth and preparation for cell division
4. M Phase: Mitosis and cytokinesis

Highlight: The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints at G₁, G₂, and M phases to ensure proper cell division.