Specialised Cells (Edexcel GCSE Biology: Combined Science)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Alistair

Author

Alistair

Last updated

Did this video help you?

Specialised Cells

  • Specialised cells are those which have developed certain characteristics (known as adaptations) in order to perform particular functions
  • Cells specialise by undergoing differentiation: this is a process by which cells develop the structure and characteristics needed to be able to carry out their functions
  • Examples of specialised cells in animals include:
    • Sperm cells
    • Egg cells
    • Ciliated epithelial cells

Sperm cells

  • Sperm cells are highly specialised for their role in reproduction i.e. to carry the DNA of the male to the egg cell (the ovum) of the female

Sperm Cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Sperm cell

Sperm Cell Adaptations Table

Sperm Cell Adaptations Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Egg cells

  • Egg cells are also highly specialised for their role in reproduction i.e. to be fertilised by a single sperm and to develop into an embryo

Egg Cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Egg cell

Egg Cell Adaptations Table

Egg Cell Adaptations Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Ciliated epithelial cells

  • Ciliated epithelial cells are highly specialised for their role in wafting bacteria and other particles (trapped by mucus) up to the throat (to be coughed out) or down to the stomach (to be digested)

cilia-2

Ciliated epithelial cells

Ciliated Epithelial Cell Adaptations Table

Ciliated Epithelial Cell Adaptations Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Examiner Tip

Remember: Cilia and microvilli are not the same.

Cilia are hair-like projections that can move ('waft') mucus along, whereas microvilli are multiple indentations of the small intestinal epithelial cell membrane, designed to increase the surface area for absorption. Microvilli cannot move by themselves as cilia can. 

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Alistair

Author: Alistair

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.