FreeScienceLessons · Feb 2026Animal Cell Specialisation
FreeScienceLessons · Feb 2026Plant Cell Specialisation
GCSE Biology AQA · Jan 2026Cell Differentiation & Specialisation
Key facts
Animal cell specialisations — fill in the table
Cell type
Adaptations
Sperm cell
Egg cell (ovum)
Red blood cell
Nerve cell (neuron)
Ciliated epithelial cell
Plant cell specialisations — fill in the table
Cell type
Adaptations
Root hair cell
Xylem cell
Phloem cell
Guard cell
Differentiation — the key principle
All cells in an organism have the same DNA — they came from one fertilised egg
Differentiation is when a cell changes to become specialised for a particular function
During differentiation, most genes are switched off — only the genes needed for that cell type are expressed
In animals, differentiation mostly happens early in development. In plants, it can happen throughout life (meristem cells remain unspecialised)
Exam questions — 4 questions · 14 marks total
⚡ This module includes extended questions (4–6 marks). These are where most marks are lost. Read the hint carefully. Write in linked sentences. The AI will identify exactly which mark scheme points you missed.
1 markDifferentiationAQA 8461 style
What does differentiation mean?
A All cells dividing by mitosis
B A cell becoming specialised to carry out a specific function
C A cell losing its DNA
D A cell growing larger
1 markRed blood cellsAQA Jun 2023 style
Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?
A To make them smaller so they fit in capillaries
B To allow more space for haemoglobin to carry oxygen
C To prevent them dividing by mitosis
D To make the cell membrane thinner
4 marksSperm cell adaptationAQA 8461 style
Explain how the structure of a sperm cell is adapted for its function. Give four adaptations. (4 marks)
Hint: Name the structure, then say what it does and why that helps fertilisation.
+40 XP
4 marksRoot hair cellAQA 8461 style
Describe how root hair cells are adapted to absorb water and mineral ions efficiently. (4 marks)
Hint: Think about the shape, what is present, what is absent and why.