Specialised Cells

Function: to ferilise an egg cell and form an embryo.

Features:

• a tail for swimming
• many mitochondria for movement
• the tip (called acrosome) releases enzymes to digest the egg cell membrane
• the haploid nucleus - only contains half of the genetic info
• are produced in large quantities for increased chance of fertilisation

Function: to transmit electrical signals in the nervous system.

Features:

• thin and  long meaning they can carry messages quickly
• branched connections at either end so they can join with other nerve cells
• have a fatty (myelin) sheath that increases the transmission speed

Function: to contract for movement.

Features:

• long so it contracts
• large number of mitochondria

Function: to absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Features:

• outside of the roots are covered with root hairs which increase the surface area

Funciton: to carry water and minerals.

Features:

• hollow tubes of dead cells to carry water and minerals upwards in the stem
• thick walls toughened by ligmin for support

Funciton: to carry glucose.

Features:

• the cells are alive unlike xylem cells