Activity

B2e Special cells

Core

Egg and sperm cells have adaptations to make them perfect for
the jobs they have to do. You are going to match these cells with
some adaptations and reasons.

protective outer
head coating

tail
nucleus
sperm
egg cell

Adaptations Reasons
This cell is small but many This means it can swim
of them are made. to find the egg.

This cell is big and has an outer layer that This increases the chances
stops more than one sperm entering. of one finding the egg.

This cell’s head is able to burrow It helps the sperm

through the egg’s outer layer. cells to find it.

This cell
This helps it to get into
has a tail.
the egg to fertilise it.

This cell is large and This means that only one

cannot move. sperm can fertilise one egg.

Look carefully at the diagrams of the sperm and egg. Read the information.
1 Copy the diagram of the sperm.
a Find three adaptations of sperm cells. Write them next to
your diagram.
b Find the reasons that match your adaptations. Write them
next to the adaptations.
2 Do the same with the egg cell. There are two adaptations and
reasons.

© Harcourt Education Ltd 2003 Catalyst 1

This worksheet may have been altered from the original on the CD-ROM. Sheet 1 of 1