1.1.18

Cell Specialisation in Plants

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Root Hair Cell

Root hair cells are specialised (to perform a specific function). Their structure allows the plant to absorb more water. They also allow a plant to take in the minerals it needs to survive.

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No chloroplasts

  • These cells are located underground.
  • This means that they do not contain chloroplasts (there is no light for photosynthesis).
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Long projections

  • Root hair cells have long projections that increase the surface area that the plant can use to absorb water and minerals.

Xylem Cell

The xylem is specialised to transport water up the stem of a plant and into the leaves.

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Open ended cells

  • Xylem vessels are made up of a series of connected dead xylem cells.
  • The end walls of the dead cells are broken to allow water to move through.
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Lignin

  • Lignin (a substance) strengthens the cell walls of xylem cells.

Phloem

The phloem is specialised to transport food products to parts of the plant where they are needed. Phloem vessels are made up of columns of living cells.

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Small holes

  • The end walls of phloem cells contain small holes to allow food products to move up and down the phloem vessels throughout the plant.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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