Animal cells
Almost all animals and plants are made up of cells.
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.
Structures in the cytoplasm of all cells where aerobic respiration takes place (singular is mitochondrion). are visible with the light microscope but can't be seen in detail. The site of protein synthesis. are only visible with the electron microscope.
Cell structures and their functions
| Cell structure | How it is related to its function |
| Cytoplasm | A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen. |
| Nucleus | Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities. |
| Cell membrane | It is permeable to some substances but not to others and so controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. |
| Mitochondria | Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration. |
| Ribosomes | Tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs. |
| Cell structure | Cytoplasm |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen. |
| Cell structure | Nucleus |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities. |
| Cell structure | Cell membrane |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | It is permeable to some substances but not to others and so controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. |
| Cell structure | Mitochondria |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration. |
| Cell structure | Ribosomes |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs. |
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 specialised animal and plant cells with Dr Alex Lathbridge.
Listen to the full series on ±«Óătv Sounds.
In this podcast, learn the key facts about specialised animal and plants cells. Listen to the full series on ±«Óătv Sounds.