animal cell specialisation

How many animal cells are specialised

Most animal cells

What does it mean if a cell is specialised

It has adaptations which help them to carry out a particular function

What is differentiation

When a cell becomes specialised

3 examples of specialised animal cells

Sperm cell

Nerve cell

Muscle cell

Function of sperm cell

To join with an fertilise and ovum

What happens during fertilisation

The genetic information of the ovum and sperm combine

Sperm cell adaptations

• sperm contain half the genetic information of a normal adult cell in nucleus

• Long streamlines tail to swim to ovum

• Lots of mitochondria to provide energy needed for swimming

• Contain enzymes which allow them to digest their way through outer layer of ovum

Nerve cell function

Send electrical impulses around the body

Adaptations of a nerve cell

• Long axon carries electricsl impulses from one body part to another

• Myelin covers axon to insulate it and speed up transmission of nerve impulses

• End of axon has synapses- junctions to allow the impulse to pass from one nerve cell to another

• Dendrites to increase surface area so other nerve cells can connect more easily

Muscle cell adaptations

• protein fibres which can change length to contract and relax to allow movement

• Full of mitochondria for energy for muscle contraction

• Muscle cells can work together to form muscle tissue