animal cell specialisation

• What is the term for when cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are the adaptations of sperm cells for fertilization?

  • Long tail for swimming
  • Streamlined shape
  • Packed with mitochondria for energy
  • Contains enzymes to digest ovum's outer layer
• What is the job of a sperm cell?

  To join with an ovum
• What do sperm cells contain that is crucial for their function?

  Genetic information in the nucleus
• What are the key features of nerve cells?

  • Long axon for impulse transmission
  • Myelin sheath for insulation
  • Synapses for impulse transfer
  • Dendrites for increased surface area
• What is the function of the axon in nerve cells?

  To transmit electrical impulses
• How does myelin affect nerve cells?

  It insulates the axon and speeds transmission
• What increases the surface area of nerve cells?

  Dendrites
• What are the adaptations of muscle cells for contraction?

  • Contain protein fibers that change length
  • Packed with mitochondria for energy
  • Work together to form muscle tissue
• What is the key feature of muscle cells?

  They can contract
• What happens to protein fibers in muscle cells during contraction?

  They shorten, decreasing cell length
• What do muscle cells require for contraction?

  Energy from mitochondria
• How do muscle cells work together?

  To form muscle tissue
• What should you remember about specialized animal cells?

  • They have adaptations for specific functions
  • Differentiation is the process of specialization
  • Examples include sperm, nerve, and muscle cells