Specialised Cells

• Specialised cells are cells that have adapted to carry out a specific function within an organism.
• There are many different types of specialised cells, each with their own unique structure and function.
• Examples of specialised cells include sperm cells, red blood cells, and nerve cells.
• Sperm cells have a tail that allows them to swim towards an egg for fertilisation, and an acrosome in the head which contains enzymes to penetrate the egg.
• Red blood cells are disc-shaped and extremely thin in the centre. This enables them to transport oxygen around the body more efficiently. They lack a nucleus to make more space for carrying oxygen.
• Nerve cells or neurons are another type of specialised cell, used for transmitting electrical impulses around the body. They are long and have extensions at both ends to assist in transmitting these impulses.
• Root hair cells are specialised for water and mineral absorption from the soil. They have long and thin protrusions which increase surface area for this task.
• Photosynthetic cells are adapted to capture light energy and convert it into glucose through photosynthesis. They are packed with chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis, and usually found in leaves.
• Guard cells form stomata, pores on plant surfaces, and manage its opening and closing in response to water availability. These stomatal movements aid in gas exchange and preventing water loss.
• Muscle cells are elongated and filled with contractile proteins allowing them to generate force and motion.
• The structure of a specialised cell is always related to its function. This is summed up by the phrase ‘form follows function’. This is a key principle in biology and ensures each cell is incredibly efficient at doing its job.