Topic Two (1.2): Cell specialisation

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  • explain how phloem and xylem cells are adapted to their function.

Revision Tasks Icon.png Retrieval starter question

To help you remember your previous learning, let’s start with a retrieval question: 

  • Can you name two structures found in plant cells that are not found in animal cells?

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will learn how cells can become specialised to carry out a specific function. You may have drawn a diagram of a generalised animal cell and plant cell in the previous topic. These cells can become adapted to enable the cell to perform a specific function: the shape of the cell and structures within the cell can change. There are many specialised cells, including red blood cells, sperm cells and xylem cells. You will extend your knowledge of cells and learn how specialised cells can work together to form tissue.

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

Reactivate activity - optional

Before applying your knowledge to new concepts in this topic, you can check your understanding of previous concepts. If you want to check your understanding and reactivate your knowledge, please complete this reactivate activity:

  • Read page 21, Specialised cells, in your Activate 3 coursebook and answer the Reactivate your knowledge questions at the top of page 24.

Apply your knowledge

  • Watch this video to remind yourself about specialised cells:

  • Read page 24 in your Activate 3 coursebook. What is the function of mitochondria? Why do you think muscle cells contain many mitochondria? 

Xylem and phloem are specialised plant tissues. They are transport structures that transport materials around the plant. Xylem tissue carries water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant and phloem tissue transports sugars made from photosynthesis to the plant. Sugars are transported to many different parts of the plant. You are going to use your knowledge of specialised cells and apply it to understand how xylem and phloem cells are adapted to their function. Remember: a group of similar cells working together is called tissue. Muscle cells make up muscle tissue, xylem cells make up xylem tissue and phloem cells make up phloem tissue. 

WATCH - Xylem and Phloem cells/tissue (Twig) [Not available on sample course]

  • Read page 25 in your Activate 3 coursebook and compare the diagrams in Figure 3 and Figure 4. 

COMPLETE/READ - B3 1.3 Information sheet A: Cell specialisation (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

COMPLETE/READ - B3 1.3 Information sheet B: Cell specialisation (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Using Information sheets A and B, you can now apply your knowledge and complete the Cell specialisation worksheet below:

COMPLETE - B3 1.3 Support: Cell specialisation Worksheet (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

  • Complete the Cell specialisation activity below – there is an optional activity to make a model, or you could alternatively draw a diagram to reinforce your learning. 

COMPLETE - B3 1.3 Activity: Cell specialisation (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

  • Complete the Summary questions on page 25 of your Activate 3 coursebook. 

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

There are some very interesting plant cell adaptations. Plant root hair cells have an elongated structure and hair-like projections to increase the surface area for water uptake. You can further explore plant root hair cells to extend your knowledge – this is optional. 

EXPLORE/WATCH- Plant root hair cells (Twig) [Not available on sample course]

  1. Can you describe the adaptation of a plant root hair cell?
  2. How does the shape differ from the generalised plant cell structure you drew in Topic One?
  3. Do root hair cells contain chloroplasts? 

Download Icon.png Check your answers

The answers to the questions in the Extension activities section can be found in the 'Topic question answers':

CHECK - Topic question answers - Module One (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - B3 1.3 Support: Cell specialisation Worksheet answers (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Student Book Answers - B3 Chapter 1 (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]