ANIMAL CELL

Animal Cell Definition

Animal cells are the basic unit of life in organisms of the kingdom Animalia. They are eukaryotic
cells, meaning that they have a true nucleus and specialized structures called organelles that
carry out different functions. Plants, fungi, and protists all have eukaryotic cells, while bacteria
and archaea have simpler prokaryotic cells. Animal cells do not have cell walls or chloroplasts,
the organelle that carries out photosynthesis.

Function of Animal Cell

Cells carry out all the processes of the body, including producing and storing energy, and
making proteins, which are molecules that have roles in metabolism, DNA replication, and
transportation of other molecules. Cells are highly specialized to carry out specific tasks. For
example, the heart has cardiac muscle cells that beat in unison, and digestive tract cells have
cilia, finger-like projections that increase surface area for the absorption of nutrients during
digestion. There are over 200 different types of cells in the human body. Red blood cells contain
hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen, and they have no nuclei; this is a specialization
that allows each red blood cell to carry as much oxygen within it as possible.

Multiple cells form tissues, which are organized groups of cells that carry out a certain function.
In turn, groups of similar tissues form the body’s organs, such as the brain, lungs, and heart.
Organs work together in organ systems, like the nervous system, digestive system, and
circulatory system. Organ systems vary depending on the species. For example, insects have
open circulatory systems, where blood is pumped directly into body cavities and surrounds
their tissues Vertebrates such as fish, mammals, and birds, on the other hand, have closed
circulatory systems; their blood is enclosed within blood vessels where it travels to target
tissues. Cells are the “building blocks” of organ systems.

Animal Cell Structure

The cell has a variety of different parts. It contains many different types of specialized
organelles that carry out all of its functions. Not every animal cell has all types of organelles, but
in general, animal cells do contain most if not all of the following organelles.

Animal cell structure

Nucleus

The nucleus contains a cell’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), its genetic material. DNA contains
instructions for making proteins, which controls all of the body’s activities. In the nucleus, DNA
is tightly winded around histones, which are proteins, to form structures called chromosomes.
The nucleus regulates which genes are expressed in the cell, which controls the cell’s activity
and functioning and will be different depending on the type of cell. DNA is located in the
nucleolus region of the nucleus, where ribosomes are made. The nucleus is surrounded by a
nuclear envelope (also called nuclear membrane), which separates it from the rest of the cell.

The nucleus also regulates the growth and division of the cell. When the cell is preparing to
divide during mitosis, the chromosomes in the nucleus duplicate and separate, and two
daughter cells are formed. Organelles called centrosomes help organize DNA during cell division.
Cells usually have one nucleus .

Mitochondria

The process of cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria. During this process, sugars and
fats are broken down and energy is released in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP
powers all cellular processes, and mitochondria produce a cell’s ATP, so mitochondria are
commonly known as “the powerhouse of the cell”.

Cell Membrane

The cell membrane surrounds the entire cell. Animal cells only have a cell membrane; they do
not have a cell wall as plant cells do. The cell membrane is a double layer made up of
phospholipids. Phospholipids are molecules with a phosphate group head attached to a glycerol
and two fatty acid tails. They spontaneously form double membranes in water due to the
hydrophilic properties of the head and hydrophobic properties of the tails. The cell membrane
is selectively permeable, meaning it only allows certain molecules through. Oxygen and carbon
dioxide pass through easily, while larger or charged molecules must go through a special
channel in the membrane. This maintains homeostasis within the cell.