All About Animal Cells

Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, or cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. Unlike prokaryotic
cells, DNA in animal cells is housed within the nucleus. In addition to having a nucleus, animal
cells also contain other membrane-bound organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out
specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of
responsibilities that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing
energy for animal cells.

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Animal Cells vs Plant Cells

Animal cells are similar to plant cells in that they are both eukaryotic cells and have similar
organelles. Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. While animal cells come in
various sizes and tend to have irregular shapes, plant cells are more similar in size and are
typically rectangular or cube shaped. A plant cell also contains structures not found in an animal
cell. Some of these include a cell wall, a large vacuole, and plastids. Plastids, such as
chloroplasts, assist in storing and harvesting needed substances for the plant. Animal cells also
contain structures such as centrioles, lysosomes, cilia, and flagella that are not typically found in
plant cells.

Animal Cells: Organelles and Components

The following are examples of structures and organelles that can be found in typical animal cells:

 Cell (Plasma) Membrane - thin, semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm
of a cell, enclosing its contents.
 Centrioles - cylindrical structures that organize the assembly of microtubules during cell
division.
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 Cytoplasm - gel-like substance within the cell.

 Endoplasmic Reticulum - extensive network of membranes composed of both regions
with ribosomes (rough ER) and regions without ribosomes (smooth ER).
 Golgi Complex - also called the Golgi apparatus, this structure is responsible for
manufacturing, storing and shipping certain cellular products.
 Lysosomes - sacs of enzymes that digest cellular macromolecules such as nucleic acids.
 Microtubules - hollow rods that function primarily to help support and shape the cell.
 Mitochondria - cell components that generate energy for the cell and are the sites of
cellular respiration.
 Nucleus - membrane bound structure that contains the cell's hereditary information.
o Nucleolus - structure within the nucleus that helps in the synthesis of ribosomes.
o Nucleopore - tiny hole within the nuclear membrane that allows nucleic acids and
proteins to move into and out of the nucleus.
 Ribosomes - consisting of RNA and proteins, ribosomes are responsible for protein
assembly.

Animal cells contain other cell structures that are not depicted in the illustration above. Some of
these structures include:

 Cytoskeleton - network of fibers throughout the cell's cytoplasm that gives the cell
support and helps to maintain its shape.
 Cilia and flagella - specialized groupings of microtubules that protrude from some cells
and aid in cellular locomotion.
 Peroxisomes - enzyme containing structures that help to detoxify alcohol, form bile acid,
and break down fats.

Animal Cell Structure

Animal organisms can be composed of trillions of cells. In the human body, there are hundreds
of different types of cells. These cells come in all shapes and sizes and their structure suits their
function. For example, the body's nerve cells or neurons have a vastly different shape and
function than red blood cells. Nerve cells transport electrical signals throughout the nervous
system. They are elongated and thin, with projections that extend out to communicate with other
nerve cells in order to conduct and transmit nerve impulses. The major role of red blood cells is
to transport oxygen to body cells. Their small, flexible disc shape enables them to maneuver
through tiny blood vessels to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.