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Animal cells

Animals depend upon plants as an energy source. Chemicals in food are broken down in respiration to create energy stores that can be used by the cell.

Animal cells have a basic structure. Below the basic structure is shown in the same animal cell, on the left viewed with the light microscope, and on the right with the transmission electron microscope.

Diagram illustrating an animal cell and its components

sometimes are visible with the light microscope but can't be seen in detail. are only visible with the electron microscope.

Cell structures and their functions

Cell structureFunction
CytoplasmWhere enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration.
NucleusContains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Cell membraneAllows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules.
Mitochondrion (plural is mitochondria)Contains enzymes for the reactions in aerobic respiration (in animals, plants and yeast).
RibosomeWhere amino acids are joined together to make a protein.
Cell structureCytoplasm
FunctionWhere enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration.
Cell structureNucleus
FunctionContains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Cell structureCell membrane
FunctionAllows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules.
Cell structureMitochondrion (plural is mitochondria)
FunctionContains enzymes for the reactions in aerobic respiration (in animals, plants and yeast).
Cell structureRibosome
FunctionWhere amino acids are joined together to make a protein.

Most cells are specialised and are adapted for their function. Animals and plants therefore consist of many different types of cell working together.

Learn more about cell structure with Dr Alex Lathbridge.

Dr Alex Lathbridge breaks down the key facts about cell structure. Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.