specialised animal cells

red blood cell properties / adaptations

• eukaryotic - no nucleus; more space for haemoglobin to carry oxygen

• biconcave shape - increases surface area for faster oxygen diffusion

• small & flexible - allows them to easily pass through tiny capillaries

• contains haemoglobin - binds to oxygen to create oxyhaemoglobin to transport around body

nerve cell properties / adaptations

• long axon - carries electrical signals over long distances

• dendrites - branch out to connect with other nerve cells

• myelin sheath - insulates axon, speeds up signal transmission

• synapses - junctions between nerve cells to pass signals

muscle cell properties / adaptations

• long & cylindrical shape - allows contraction over a larger area

• lots of mitochondria - provides energy for muscle contraction

• contractile proteins (actin & myosin) - enable muscle to contract & relax

• striations - bands that help with coordination of contractions

sperm cell properties / adaptations

• tail (flagellum) - helps the sperm to swim towards the egg

• lots of mitochondria - provides energy for movement

• enzymes in the head - help break into egg during fertilisation

• streamlined shape - allows for fast & efficient swimming