3. Defining
Animal
Cell An animal cell is a type of
eukaryotic cell found in animals
and humans. It is complex and
made up of various organelles,
including the nucleus,
mitochondria, endoplasmic
reticulum, Golgi apparatus,
lysosomes, ribosomes, cytoplasm,
and cell membrane.
5. Parts of
Animal Cell
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is a selectively
permeable barrier that surrounds the
animal cell and separates it from its
environment. It is composed of a lipid
bilayer with embedded proteins and
carbohydrates. The lipid bilayer is made up
of phospholipids, which have a hydrophilic
(water-loving) head and a hydrophobic
(water-fearing) tail. The proteins and
carbohydrates in the cell membrane play
various roles in cell signaling, cell adhesion,
and maintaining the integrity of the cell
membrane.
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6. Parts of
Animal Cell
Nucleus
The nucleus is the control center of the
cell and contains the cell's genetic material
in the form of DNA. It directs the cell's
activities and regulates gene expression.
The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear
membrane that regulates the movement of
materials in and out of the nucleus.
Animal
Cell
Nucleolus
The nucleolus is a small, dense structure
inside the nucleus that is involved in the
production of ribosomes. It contains RNA
and proteins.
7. Parts of
Animal Cell
Nuclear membrane
The nuclear membrane is a double
membrane that surrounds the nucleus and
regulates the movement of materials in
and out of the nucleus. It is composed of a
lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Animal
Cell
Lysosome
Lysosomes are membrane-bound
organelles that contain digestive enzymes
and are involved in breaking down cellular
waste and recycling cellular components.
Lysosomes are involved in autophagy, the
process by which old, damaged, or
unnecessary cellular components are
broken down and recycled.
8. Parts of
Animal Cell
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is a
network of membranes that is involved in
lipid metabolism and detoxification. It
lacks ribosomes and is connected to the
rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Animal
Cell
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are double-membrane
organelles that are the powerhouse of the
cell. They produce ATP, the energy
currency of the cell, through cellular
respiration. Mitochondria have their own
DNA and are believed to have originated
from free-living bacteria that were
engulfed by early eukaryotic cells.
9. Parts of
Animal Cell
Animal
Cell
Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus is an organelle that
processes and packages proteins for
transport to other parts of the cell or for
secretion outside the cell. The Golgi
apparatus consists of flattened
membranous sacs called cisternae.
10. Parts of
Animal Cell
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is a
network of membranes that is studded
with ribosomes and is involved in protein
synthesis. The rough endoplasmic
reticulum is connected to the nuclear
membrane and extends throughout the
cytoplasm.
Animal
Cell
Ribosomes
Ribosomes are small, spherical organelles
that are involved in protein synthesis.
They can be found free in the cytoplasm
or attached to the rough endoplasmic
reticulum.
11. Parts of
Animal Cell
Cilia
Cilia are hair-like structures that extend
from the surface of the cell. They are
composed of microtubules and are
involved in a variety of functions, including
movement of fluids and particles across
the surface of the cell, sensing the
environment, and communication between
cells. In the respiratory system, for
example, cilia help to move mucus and
debris out of the airways.
Animal
Cell
12. Parts of
Animal Cell
Intermediate Filaments
Intermediate filaments are a type of
cytoskeletal protein found in animal cells
that provide mechanical support and
maintain the shape of cells. They are found
in a variety of cell types and are often
associated with cell junctions and other
structures that anchor cells together. In
skin cells, for example, intermediate
filaments made of keratin provide strength
and resilience to the tissue.
Animal
Cell
13. Parts of
Animal Cell
Flagella
Flagella are long, whip-like structures that
are used for movement. They are similar in
structure to cilia, but are generally longer
and move in a different way. In sperm
cells, for example, the flagellum propels
the cell forward to facilitate fertilization.
Animal
Cell
Microtubules
Microtubules are cylindrical structures
made up of proteins called tubulin. They
are a component of the cytoskeleton in
animal cells and play a role in a variety of
cellular processes, including cell division,
cell motility, and intracellular transport. In
nerve cells, for example, microtubules help
to transport organelles and other materials
along the length of the axon.
14. Parts of
Animal Cell
Microfilaments
Microfilaments are thin, flexible filaments
made up of proteins called actin. They are
another component of the cytoskeleton in
animal cells and are involved in a variety of
cellular processes, including cell division,
cell motility, and intracellular transport. In
muscle cells, for example, microfilaments
play a key role in the contraction of the
cell.
Animal
Cell
Secretory vesicles
Secretory vesicles are membrane-bound
sacs that are used to transport and release
molecules from animal cells. They are
involved in a variety of processes,
including the release of hormones,
neurotransmitters, and enzymes. In
pancreatic cells, for example, secretory
vesicles release insulin into the
bloodstream.
15. Parts of
Animal Cell
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes are organelles found in
animal cells that are involved in a variety
of metabolic processes, including the
breakdown of fatty acids and the
detoxification of harmful substances. They
contain enzymes that generate and break
down hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to
cells in high concentrations. In liver cells,
for example, peroxisomes detoxify alcohol
and other harmful substances.
Animal
Cell
Centrioles (Centrosome)
Centrioles are structures found in animal
cells that play a role in cell division. They
are composed of microtubules and are
involved in the organization of the spindle
fibers that pull chromosomes apart during
mitosis. In animal cells, the pair of
centrioles is collectively known as the
centrosome.
16. Parts of
Animal Cell
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that
fills the cell and contains the organelles. It
is composed of water, salts, and organic
molecules. The cytoplasm is involved in a
variety of cellular processes, including
metabolism, protein synthesis, and cell
division.
Animal
Cell