Specialised cells

• What are specialised cells?

  Cells that have a structure which makes them adapted to their function
• What are the main types of specialised cells discussed in the material?

  • Egg cells
  • Sperm cells
  • Ciliated epithelial cells
• What is the role of egg cells in reproduction?

  To carry the female DNA and nourish the developing embryo
• What is the term used for cells that contain half the number of chromosomes found in a normal body cell?

  Haploid
• Why is it important that egg and sperm cells are haploid?

  So that when they combine at fertilisation, the resulting cell has the right number of chromosomes
• How does the structure of an egg cell adapt it for its function?

  It contains nutrients in the cytoplasm, has a haploid nucleus, and its membrane changes after fertilisation
• What is one of the main functions of sperm cells?

  To transport the male's DNA to the female's egg
• What adaptations do sperm cells have for their function?

  A long tail for swimming, lots of mitochondria for energy, and an acrosome for enzymes
• What is the role of ciliated epithelial cells?

  To move substances along the surface of the tissue
• How do ciliated epithelial cells move substances?

  The cilia beat to move substances in one direction
• Where can ciliated epithelial cells be found in the body?

  In the lining of the airways
• What is the significance of ciliated epithelial cells in the airways?

  They help move mucus and trapped particles up to the throat to be swallowed
• What are the key features of egg cells and sperm cells that make them specialised for reproduction?

  Egg Cells:

  • Contains nutrients in the cytoplasm
  • Has a haploid nucleus
  • Membrane changes after fertilisation

  
  

  Sperm Cells:

  • Long tail for swimming
  • Lots of mitochondria for energy
  • Acrosome for enzymes to digest the egg membrane
  • Contains a haploid nucleus