Animal cells are eukaryotic cells that contain a nucleus which houses DNA. Unlike prokaryotic cells, animal cells contain membrane-bound organelles that carry out specialized functions. Organelles in animal cells include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and vacuoles. Each organelle performs important roles for normal cell functioning such as transport, metabolism, and waste removal.