Final answer:
The structure of a sperm cell includes a compact head with a nucleus and acrosome, a mid-piece with mitochondria, and a tail with a flagellum, each aiding in its function to fertilize an egg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure of a sperm cell is specialized to its reproductive function. The sperm cell is comprised of three main parts: the head, mid-piece, and tail. The head houses a compact haploid nucleus with DNA and an acrosome, which contains lysosomal enzymes vital for egg penetration during fertilization. The mid-piece is packed with mitochondria that generate ATP for movement, and the tail or flagellum provides the motility needed for the sperm to swim towards an egg.
The head of the sperm, which is only about 5 μm long, is small and contains minimal cytoplasm, while the acrosome covers the head like a cap. This streamlined shape, along with the enzymes in the acrosome, helps the sperm easily swim and penetrate an egg's outer layers. The tail's flagellum moves in a whip-like manner, propelling the sperm through the female reproductive tract. The structure of each part of the sperm cell is intimately related to its role in reproduction.