What is an Animal Cell?
An animal cell is the basic unit of life in animals. It is eukaryotic, which
means it has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Main Parts of an Animal Cell and Their Functions
1. Cell Membrane - Outer covering of the cell; controls what goes in
and out.
2. Cytoplasm - Jelly-like substance where cell activities occur.
3. Nucleus - Control center; contains DNA and directs cell activities.
4. Nucleolus - Found inside the nucleus; produces ribosomes.
5. Mitochondria - "Powerhouse"; produces energy through
respiration.
6. Ribosomes - Make proteins.
7. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - Transports materials. Rough ER
has ribosomes; Smooth ER does not.
8. Golgi Apparatus - Packages and distributes proteins and lipids.
9. Lysosomes - Break down waste and old cell parts.
10. Centrioles - Help in cell division.
Key Points to Remember
● Animal cells do not have a cell wall.
● Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
● Vacuoles in animal cells are small.
● Shape is usually round or irregular.
An animal cell is the basic unit of life in animals. It is eukaryotic, which
means it has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Main Parts of an Animal Cell and Their Functions
1. Cell Membrane - Outer covering of the cell; controls what goes in
and out.
2. Cytoplasm - Jelly-like substance where cell activities occur.
3. Nucleus - Control center; contains DNA and directs cell activities.
4. Nucleolus - Found inside the nucleus; produces ribosomes.
5. Mitochondria - "Powerhouse"; produces energy through
respiration.
6. Ribosomes - Make proteins.
7. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - Transports materials. Rough ER
has ribosomes; Smooth ER does not.
8. Golgi Apparatus - Packages and distributes proteins and lipids.
9. Lysosomes - Break down waste and old cell parts.
10. Centrioles - Help in cell division.
Key Points to Remember
● Animal cells do not have a cell wall.
● Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
● Vacuoles in animal cells are small.
● Shape is usually round or irregular.
