Examples of Specialised Cells

• Erythrocytes: No nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi or RER, they are packed full of haemoglobin (globular protein) as their function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and cells in the body, also they become bi-concave discs
• Neutrophils: Nucleus becomes multilobed, have a very granular cytoplasm (with lots of lysosomes containing hydrolytic enzymes and other chemicals) as they are able to phagocytose, so they may ingest and kill microbes
• Spermatozoa: Tail to move towards an egg cell, has many mitochondria to provide energy and an acrosome (tip of the head) that releases enzymes to digest egg membrane
• Squamous Epithelial Cells: Flat and usually found lining surfaces that require a smooth flow of fluid, (e.g. blood vessels) or areas that require a very thin surface for molecules to pass through (e.g. alveoli)
• Ciliated Epithelial Cells: Columnar or cuboidal-shaped with tiny projections on exposed surface (Cilia; made of microtubules), they beat synchronised to move mucus, produced by Goblet Cells, along (found in the trachea, oviducts and bronchi)