How and why are sperm cells specialised ?

Sperm cells are specialised because they have a specific function in the body- to fertilise the female gamete (egg). Therefore to carry out its job, it has special features typical body cells do not. The nucleus, which contains the genetic material is located in the head of the sperm cell. The sperm cells have a tail for swimming, optimising fertilisation. Also they are full of mitochondria to supply the energy for movement (swimming).(Bonus- maybe not for GCSE answer- On the head of the spermatozoa there is the acrosome, containing enzymes. This is so the enzymes can break down the female egg cell, so the sperm can penetrate the egg.This question is usually about 4 marks within a test so you want to make sure you have 4 separate points within the answer.

Answered by Antonia S. Biology tutor

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