A sperm cell is a specialised animal cell. Describe how the structure of a sperm cell is related to its function, and explain why cell differentiation is important for multicellular organisms.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Sperm cells are produced in large numbers and must travel long distances to reach an egg cell. They are an example of how cell differentiation allows organisms to carry out life processes more efficiently.
Model answer (5 marks)
A sperm cell carries male DNA to the egg, enabling fertilisation.
The cell has a long tail or flagellum, which propels it through the female reproductive tract.
The flagellum contains many mitochondria that supply the ATP needed for motility.
Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialised cells become specialised.
Specialised cells allow multicellular organisms to perform distinct functions efficiently, making the organism more productive.
The cell has a long tail or flagellum, which propels it through the female reproductive tract.
The flagellum contains many mitochondria that supply the ATP needed for motility.
Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialised cells become specialised.
Specialised cells allow multicellular organisms to perform distinct functions efficiently, making the organism more productive.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms "flagellum", "mitochondria", "cell differentiation". Show the link between structure (tail, mitochondria) and function (swimming, energy).
- Explain that differentiation creates specialised cells that improve efficiency.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Sperm cell carries male DNA (to the egg for reproduction)
- Sperm cell has a tail / flagellum to allow it to swim (towards the egg)
- Sperm cell has many mitochondria to provide energy for movement / swimming
- Cell differentiation is the production of specialised cells (from unspecialised / undifferentiated cells)
- Cell differentiation allows multicellular organisms to become more efficient (because each cell type is adapted to carry out a specific function)
Key terms in this question
sperm cell · cell differentiation · multicellular organism
Related
- All OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe and Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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