1.4 Specialisation in animal cells

Function of the nerve cell

Carries electrical impulses through body and brain

Adaptations of the nerve cell

• Mylelin sheath - insulted the signal so it goes further

• dendrites - connects to other nerve cells

Function of the sperm cell

Carries genetic information to fertilise the egg

Adaptations of the sperm cell

• Tail - allows it to move

• Many mitochondria - lots of energy released

• Nucleus in head - contains genetic information

Function of the smooth muscle cell

Allows movement

Adaptations of the smooth muscle cell

• connected to bones via tendons

• filament bundles - make cells contract/relax

Function of the red blood cell

Transports oxygen

Adaptations of the red blood cell

• biconcave - more surface area for diffusion of gases

• haemoglobin - binds to oxygen

• no nucleus - save space

Function of the ciliated cell

Makes + sweep mucus to trap foreign matter

Adaptations of the ciliated cell

• hair like cilia - increase area for mucus secretion

• columnar - many form a lining