cell specialisation

• what are the specialised animal cells


  sperm, nerve, muscle
• what are the specialised plant cells


  root hair, xylem, phloem
• how are nerve cells specialised


  for rapid signalling.

  they carry electrical signals.

  long to cover more distance.

  branched connections at their ends to connect to other nerve cells and form a network throughout the body.
• how are sperm cells specialised

  for reproduction.

  they get male DNA to the female DNA.

  long tail and streamline head to help it swim to the egg.

  lots of mitochondria to provide energy needed.

  carries enzymes in it's head to digest through the egg cell membrane.
• how are muscle cells specialised


  for contraction.

  they are supposed to contract quickly.

  long so they have space to contract.

  lots of mitochondria to generate energy needed for contraction.
• how are root hair cells specialised


  for absorbing water and minerals.

  they are on the surface of plant roots, and grow into long 'hairs' that stick out into the soil.

  gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
• how are phloem cells specialised


  for transporting sugars and amino acids.

  cells are long and joined end to end.

  have companion cells with lots of mitochondria to provide energy.
• how are xylem cells specialised


  for transporting water and minerals.

  cells are long and are joined end to end.

  xylem cells are hollow in the centre so stuff can flow through them.