Specialisation in Animal Cells

Cell Differentiation and Specialization

• Cells differentiate to form specialized cells during organism development.
• Animal cells mainly differentiate early in development, while plant cells can differentiate throughout life.
• Specialized cells have specific subcellular structures for particular functions.

Nerve Cells

• Function: Carry electrical impulses.
• Adaptations:
  • Dendrites: Connect to other nerve cells.
  • Axon: Carries nerve impulses (can be very long).
  • Synapses: Use transmitter chemicals to pass impulses; contain many mitochondria.

Muscle Cells

• Function: Contract and relax.
• Types: Striated (skeletal movement) and smooth (digestive system).
• Adaptations (Striated):
  • Special proteins: Slide over each other for contraction.
  • Many mitochondria: Energy for reactions during contraction/relaxation.
  • Glycogen storage: Provides energy for cellular respiration.

Sperm Cells

• Function: Fertilize eggs.
• Adaptations:
  • Long tail: Movement through water/female reproductive system.
  • Mitochondria-rich middle section: Energy for tail movement.
  • Acrosome: Digestive enzymes to break down egg outer layers.
  • Large nucleus: Contains genetic information.