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.
Structures in the cytoplasm of all cells where aerobic respiration takes place (singular is mitochondrion). sometimes 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 | Function |
| Cytoplasm | Where enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration. |
| Nucleus | Contains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration. |
| Cell membrane | Allows 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). |
| Ribosome | Where amino acids are joined together to make a protein. |
| Cell structure | Cytoplasm |
|---|---|
| Function | Where enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration. |
| Cell structure | Nucleus |
|---|---|
| Function | Contains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration. |
| Cell structure | Cell membrane |
|---|---|
| Function | Allows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules. |
| Cell structure | Mitochondrion (plural is mitochondria) |
|---|---|
| Function | Contains enzymes for the reactions in aerobic respiration (in animals, plants and yeast). |
| Cell structure | Ribosome |
|---|---|
| Function | Where 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.
Listen to the full series on 鶹Լ Sounds.
Dr Alex Lathbridge breaks down the key facts about cell structure. Listen to the full series on 鶹Լ Sounds.