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Specialised cells
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Cells become specialised so they are good at one job. Their structure matches their function.
Animal examples
Sperm cell: a tail (flagellum) to swim, many mitochondria for energy, an acrosome with enzymes to digest the egg's outer layer, and a haploid nucleus.
Egg cell: cytoplasm full of nutrients, a haploid nucleus, and a membrane that changes after fertilisation so only one sperm enters.
Egg cell: cytoplasm full of nutrients, a haploid nucleus, and a membrane that changes after fertilisation so only one sperm enters.
Ciliated epithelial cells
Tiny hairs called cilia beat to move mucus, for example out of the airways.
Plant examples
Root hair cells: a large surface area to absorb water and mineral ions.
Xylem: dead cells forming hollow tubes, strengthened by lignin, to carry water.
Phloem: living cells that carry sugars, with sieve plates between them.
Xylem: dead cells forming hollow tubes, strengthened by lignin, to carry water.
Phloem: living cells that carry sugars, with sieve plates between them.
Why does a sperm cell have many mitochondria?
- Mitochondria release energy by aerobic respiration.
- The tail needs lots of energy to move.
- So more mitochondria provide more energy for swimming.
Answer: To release energy for the tail to swim.
Specialised cells have features that suit their job: sperm (tail, mitochondria, acrosome), egg (nutrients), ciliated cells (cilia), root hairs (large surface area), xylem and phloem (transport tubes).
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