1.1.15

Sperm Cells

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Sperm Cell

Sperm cells are specialised (perform a specific function). Sperm cells are specialised to fertilise egg cells. To do this, they need to travel long distances relative to their size. They then break through to the egg cell and fertilise it.

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  • The ‘head’ contains the sperm cell’s nucleus. The nucleus carries one half of an organism’s genetic material.
  • This combines with the egg cell's half of genetic material to fertilise the egg cell.
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Acrosome

  • The acrosome is found at the tip of the head. It contains the digestive enzymes needed to penetrate (break into) an egg cell.
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Middle section

  • The middle section is filled with mitochondria to provide the sperm with the energy it needs to travel a long distance to reach the egg cell.
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Flagellum

  • The flagellum (‘tail’) is used for the cell’s motion. This allows sperm cells to travel towards the egg cell.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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