Specialised Cells

Sperm Cells:

Specialised for REPRODUCTION

• Designed to deliver male DNA to female DNA.
• They have a LONG TAIL for mobility.
• They have MANY MITOCHONDRIA for energy.
• The head is STREAMLINED to make movement more efficient.
• The head contains ENZYMES that can digest through the membrane of the egg cell.

Nerve Cells:

Specialised for SENDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS

• They carry messages in the form of electrical signals across the body.
• They are LONG to cover more distance.
• They have BRANCHED CONNECTIONS called DENDRITES to create a large network around the body.

Muscle Cells:

Specialised for CONTRACTION

• They are LONG, so they have space to contract.
• They are filled with MANY MITOCHONDRIA to transfer energy for contraction.

Root Hair Cells:

Specialised for ABSORBING WATER AND MINERALS.

• Grow long "hairs" to INCREASE SURFACE AREA for absorption from the soil.
• Contain NO CHLOROPLASTS as they are found underground and do NOT receive light for photosynthesis.

Phloem Cells:  

Specialised for TRANSPORTING FOOD SUBSTANCES

• Cells are joined end to end to form TUBES to transport food in plants.
• They have very FEW SUBCELLULAR STRUCTURES to help substances flow through easily.

Xylem Cells:

Specialised for TRANSPORTING WATER AND MINERALS

• Cells are joined end to end to form TUBES to transport water and minerals in plants.
• They are HOLLOW for easy flow.
• They are made up of dead cells strengthened with LIGNIN.