Human Gametes - Sperm Cells
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 16.4.3
Sperm Cell
Sperm cells are specialised (can perform a specific function). Sperm cells are specialised to fertilise egg cells. To do this, they need to travel long distances relatively to their size. They then break through to the egg cell and fertilise it (combine the sperm DNA with the egg DNA).
Head
- 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.
Acrosome
- The acrosome at the tip of the head contains an enzyme needed to penetrate (break into) an egg cell.
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.
Flagellum
- The flagellum acts as a tail and is used for the cell’s motion. This allows sperm cells to travel towards the egg cell.