Specialised animal cells

Question 1

What are the 6 specialised animal cells?

Answer 1

• Erythrocytes (RBCs)
• Neutrophils (type of WBC)
• Sperm cells (male gametes)

Question 2

What is the role of erythrocytes?

Answer 2

Transport O2 around body

Question 3

What is the role of neutrophils?

Answer 3

Part of the immune system: Attach pathogens by releasing digestive enzymes onto them

Question 4

What is the role of sperm cells?

Answer 4

Male gametes that deliver genetic info to female gamete (the ovum)

Question 5

How are erythrocytes specialised to do their role?

Answer 5

• Flattened biconcave shape = Increases SA to vol ratio, large SA for gas exchange
• Flexible to squeeze through capillaries
• No nuclei = More space for haemoglobin

Question 6

What does haemoglobin do?

Answer 6

Its a molecule that carries O2

Question 7

How are neutrophils specialised to do their role?

Answer 7

• Have characteristic multi lobed nucleus = Easier for WBC to squeeze through small gaps to get to infection site
• Granular cytoplasm contains many lysosomes = Contains enzymes used to attack pathogens

Question 8

How are sperm cells specialised to do their role?

Answer 8

• Have tail or flagellum = Capable of movement + contain mitochondria to supply energy needed to swim
• Acrosome on sperm head contain digestive enzymes = Released to digest protective layers around ovum + allow sperm to penetrate (leads to fertilisation)