Animal Cells

The Animal Cell and its Organelles

The animal cell contains many organelles that work together to ensure proper function. These organelles will be discussed below. The nucleus is the “brain” of the cell and contains genetic information. It contains the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that carries information that determines which proteins a cell will make. Other cells contain chromosomes and other organelles. You can use the animal cell resources provided to supplement your life science lessons.

Inside of an Animal Cell

The inside of an animal cell is similar to a room in our house. There are many similar room-like structures inside the cell. These organelles each perform specialized tasks. They also help the cell function properly. In general, not every animal cell contains all organelles. Some are more abundant than others. During cell division and mitosis, the organelles are necessary for the cell’s functions. They also make the cell shape and support.

Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells

Animal cells are smaller than plant cells. Plant cells have a cell membrane and a large vacuole that maintains the shape and stores nutrients. Animal cells have multiple smaller vacuoles and share a cell membrane. Both plants and animals have organelles, but animal cells do not have chloroplasts, which are required for photosynthesis. Therefore, they are able to have multiple types of cells. For more information on animal cells, visit our website.

The Cytoskeleton

The internal framework of animal cells is known as the cytoskeleton. This framework consists of different types of proteins called actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. These structures maintain intracellular organization and shape and control movement of the cell. They are the cell’s main structural component. It is also the source of energy. The cytoskeleton also helps maintain the structure and function of the animal cell. There are two types of cilia: the cilia of sperm cells, which have the flagella to swim.

Comparison with Plant Cells

A plant cell contains a cell wall, while an animal cell does not. In contrast, plants have tough cell walls that are made of cellulose and lignin, which protects the tissues of the tree. Plants’ cell walls also contain chloroplasts, which absorb energy from the sun and turn it into sugars. Plant cells have large central vacuoles, while animal cells have small vacuoles that help with the storage of large molecules.

The Nucleus and the Endoplasmic Reticulum

An animal cell’s nucleus consists of a round structure surrounded by a membrane. The nucleus contains the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that controls the cell’s activities. The nucleus is surrounded by a membrane called the nuclear envelope, which is made up of chromatin and pores for molecules. These proteins contain a variety of enzymes that aid in digestion. Some animal cells lose nuclei after they have matured.

Another structure in the animal cell is the endoplasmic reticulum, which is responsible for the transport of proteins and lipids within the cell. This network is essentially the shipping department of the cell. Its outer membrane is composed of a series of pouches. These pouches originate from vesicles that have budded off from the ER. This membrane-bound structure is discontinuous and has two types.

The Cell Membrane and Lysosomes

The membrane of an animal cell is composed of a lipid bilayer that contains several proteins. This membrane is selectively permeable, and polar molecules need membrane proteins to cross it. Cholesterol is a component of the membrane, and it provides the cellular structure with structure and support, making animal cells flexible and capable of movement. It also controls the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. In addition to protecting the cell, the membrane helps the organelles communicate with each other.

The organelle lysosomes contains enzymes that break down large molecules outside of the cell. These enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. The lysosomes are also responsible for autophagocytosis, or the removal of old cell parts. If these enzymes are inactive, they will not be able to break down macromolecules. They are responsible for breaking down large molecules into simpler ones.