Specialised cells

• Sperm cells – male gametes, made in the testes throughout a man’s life, they are adapted to reach, penetrate and fertilise the ovum i.e. the female gamete
• Palisade cells – most basic plant cell type, contain many chloroplasts and are specialised for photosynthesis
• Root hair cells – specialised epidermal cells found in close proximity to root tips. They have thin and long extensions which serve for the purpose of increasing surface area and maximising the contact with water which contains essential mineral ions which are absorbed through the roots. They are short-lived and are constantly produced in the root tip.
• Guard cells – found in pairs in the epidermis of leaves and are involved in controlling the opening and closing of stomata. Guard cells contain chloroplasts whereas epidermal cells do not. They respond to water influx which causes them to alter their shape, causing stoma to open.