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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 16 marks · about 18 minutes

Specialised Cells Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions focus on how cells become specialised for particular functions and the structural adaptations that allow them to perform their roles efficiently.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe four ways in which a red blood cell is adapted for its function of transporting oxygen.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Biconcave disc shape: increases surface area for oxygen absorption.
    2. No nucleus: more space for haemoglobin.
    3. Contains haemoglobin: binds to oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin.
    4. Flexible / can squeeze through narrow capillaries.

    Watch for: Saying red blood cells have a "large surface area" without explaining the biconcave shape.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Explain how a root hair cell is adapted for absorbing water and mineral ions.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Long hair-like projection increases surface area for absorption.
    2. Thin cell wall allows faster movement of water by osmosis.
    3. Many mitochondria provide energy for active transport of mineral ions.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how a palisade mesophyll cell is adapted for photosynthesis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Contains many chloroplasts to absorb maximum light.
    2. Tall, column-shaped and packed closely together near the upper surface of the leaf.
    3. Large vacuole pushes chloroplasts to the edges of the cell, closer to light.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Define the term "cell differentiation".

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The process by which a cell becomes specialised.
    2. For a particular function / develops specific features.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A ciliated epithelial cell lines the trachea. Describe two structural adaptations and explain how each helps the cell perform its function.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Has cilia (tiny hair-like projections) on its surface: these beat in a wave-like motion to move mucus upward.
    2. Mucus traps dust, bacteria, and pathogens: cilia sweep this away from the lungs.
    3. Many mitochondria: provide energy for the cilia to beat continuously.
    4. Goblet cells nearby produce the mucus that the cilia move.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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