Cells and Specialized Cells
This page covers the fundamental structures and functions of plant and animal cells, as well as specialized cells.
Plant and Animal Cell Structure
Plant and animal cells have several key components:
- Cell membrane: Controls what enters and leaves the cell
- Nucleus: Contains DNA and controls cell function
- Cytoplasm: Where chemical reactions occur
- Mitochondria: Site of aerobic respiration
Plant cells additionally have:
- Cell wall: Made of cellulose for support
- Chloroplasts: Contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis
- Large vacuole: Filled with cell sap for support
Definition: Specialized cells are adapted to carry out specific functions more efficiently. The process of a cell becoming specialized is called differentiation.
Examples of specialized cells include:
- Ciliated cells
- Red blood cells
- Root hair cells
Highlight: Understanding cell structure and specialized cells is crucial for WJEC GCSE Biology Unit 1 and forms the foundation for more complex biological concepts.
Cell Organization and Processes
The page also covers important cellular processes:
- Diffusion: Movement of substances from high to low concentration
- Osmosis: Movement of water through a semipermeable membrane
- Active transport: Movement of substances against the concentration gradient using energy
Vocabulary: Turgid refers to a plant cell that is swollen and rigid due to high water content, while flaccid describes a plant cell that has lost water and become limp.
The document also mentions light and electron microscopes, highlighting their differences in magnification and resolution.