Specialised cells

• Sperm cell


  Function: To fertilise an egg cell and to swim
• Sperm cell


  • Half DNA
• Nerve cell

  Function: To carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another
• sperm cell

  • Long tail
  • Lots of mitochondria release energy
  • Tail detaches
  • Enzymes on head
• Muscle cell

  Function: Specialised for contraction
• nerve cell

  • Long cell
  • Branches at end to connect cells
  • Myelin sheath covers them=send Signals fast
• Muscle cell


  • Lots of mitochondria
• Red blood cell

  Function: Carry oxygen around the body
• Red blood cell


  • Long cells: contract quickly
  • Large surface area absorbs Oxygen better
  • No nucleus
  • Lots of haemoglobin
  • Flexible
• Palisade cell


  Function: Carry out photosynthesis
• Palisade cell


  • Lots of chloroplasts
  • Located in the leaf surface
  • Large size
• Xylem


  Function: Carry minerals and ions from the roots to the stem to the leaf
• Xylem


  • Hole in the centre of cell
  • Long cells
  • Made of dead tissues
  • Can only transport water up
• Phloem


  Function: Transport food mainly dissolved sugars and water
• Phloem


  • Hole in the centre
  • Long cells
  • Small holes between the cells
  • Sugars can move up and down the plant
• Root hair cell


  Function: Absorb minerals and water from the soil
• Root hair cell


  • Large surface area
  • Thin membrane