Specialization of Animal Cells

Introduction

• Objective: Understand how sperm cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells are specialized to carry out their functions.
• Concept: Differentiation - Process by which cells become specialized.

Animal Cell Overview

• General Structure: The basic structure of an animal cell.
• Specialization: Most animal cells have adaptations specific to their functions.

Sperm Cells

• Function: To fertilize an ovum (egg cell), combining genetic information.
• Genetic Content: Contains half the genetic information of a normal adult cell.
• Adaptations:
  • Long Tail: Facilitates swimming to the ovum.
  • Streamlined Shape: Enhances swimming efficiency.
  • Mitochondria: Abundant to provide energy for swimming.
  • Enzymes: Present to digest the outer layer of the ovum for entry.

Nerve Cells

• Function: To transmit electrical impulses throughout the body.
• Structure:
  • Axon: Long structure that carries impulses from one body part to another.
  • Myelin Sheath: Insulates axon and speeds up impulse transmission.
  • Synapses: Located at the end of the axon, allowing impulses to pass between nerve cells.
  • Cell Body: Contains dendrites that increase surface area for connections with other nerve cells.

Muscle Cells

• Function: To contract and produce movement.
• Structure and Features:
  • Protein Fibers: Enable contraction by shortening.
  • Mitochondria: Numerous to supply energy for contraction.
  • Muscle Tissue: Muscle cells work collectively to form tissue.

Conclusion

• Understanding Specialization: You should now be able to describe how each type of cell is uniquely adapted for its specific function.

Additional Resources

• Revision Workbook: For questions on specialized animal cells, refer to the workbook available via the provided link.