UK Revision: Animal Cell Structure, Function & Diagram

An animal cell is the basic structural and functional unit of animal tissue, responsible for carrying out essential life processes. Let's explore its components and functions!

🔬 Animal Cell Diagram

Imagine an animal cell as a miniature city. Each organelle is like a specialized building, working together to keep the city (the cell) functioning.

🧱 Key Components & Functions

• Cell Membrane: Acts like the city's border control, regulating what enters and exits the cell. It's a selectively permeable barrier made of a phospholipid bilayer.
• Nucleus: The city hall, containing the cell's genetic material (DNA) in the form of chromosomes. It controls all cellular activities.
• Cytoplasm: The city's landscape, a gel-like substance where all the organelles are suspended. It's the site of many chemical reactions.
• Mitochondria: The power plants of the cell. They generate energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
• Ribosomes: The factories of the cell. They synthesize proteins based on instructions from the nucleus.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A network of interconnected membranes. Rough ER (with ribosomes) is involved in protein synthesis, while smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification. Think of it as the cell's highway system.
• Golgi Apparatus: The packaging and shipping center of the cell. It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.
• Lysosomes: The waste disposal and recycling centers. They contain enzymes that break down cellular waste and debris.
• Vacuoles: Storage containers for water, nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells typically have smaller vacuoles than plant cells.

🆚 Animal vs. Plant Cells

Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts. They also tend to have smaller vacuoles and a less defined shape.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Understanding the structure and function of an animal cell is fundamental to understanding how tissues, organs, and entire organisms function. Each part plays a vital role in maintaining life!