Specialised Cells Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is the function of the acrosome in a sperm cell?

It contains digestive enzymes that break through the membrane of the egg cell.

Why does a sperm cell contain many mitochondria?

To release energy by respiration so the tail can move the sperm to the egg.

True or false? The nucleus of a sperm cell is haploid.

True. It carries one set of chromosomes, so the fertilised egg has the full number.

What does the cytoplasm of an egg cell contain, and why?

Nutrients — a food store for the developing embryo.

What happens to the membrane of an egg cell straight after fertilisation?

It changes (hardens) so that no other sperm can enter.

What is the function of ciliated epithelial cells in the airways?

Their cilia waft mucus (containing trapped dust and bacteria) away from the lungs.