Cells are the basic building blocks of life. Without them, life on earth would cease to exist. Cells have a lot of jobs to do and need different components to do them. In this article, we shall explore more details about animal cells and its various cellular components in detail.
Animal Cell Parts & Functions
Just like any other living organism, animals are made up of cells – which form the fundamental building blocks of life. Moreover, animal cells have a lot of functions to be fulfilled and need different components to do them.
The Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is a thin layer of phospholipids or fats that surrounds the cells, separating the inside of the cell from its environment. Many types of chemicals are embedded in it, including enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids. The cell membrane has two major functions: it separates the internal environment from the external environment. Its selective permeability allows specific substances to cross it while preventing others from crossing it. The cell membrane also has other structural functions such as providing a protective barrier for cells and serving as a substrate for attachment to other cells or structures.
Nucleus
The nucleus is the central part of a cell, and it contains the chromosomes which are made up of DNA. The nucleus is enclosed by the nuclear membrane, and inside the nucleus, there are molecules called histones which bind and compact DNA.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance in between the cell membrane and nuclear membrane. This part of the cell contains most of the important components like organelles, Golgi bodies, mitochondria and ribosomes.
Cell wall
Although animals do not have cell walls, it is an integral component of plant cells. The cell wall is located outside the plasma membrane and the primary function of the cell wall is to provide shape and also protection from the external environment. The cell wall also plays an important role in the process of osmosis, as it acts as a selective barrier between water and solutes on either side.
Centrosome
A centrosome is a pair of cylindrical structures found in the cytoplasm of animal cells. They are microtubule organizing centers that are crucial for cell division. These organelles are located near the cell’s nucleus, attached to the nuclear membrane. The two centrosomes are connected to each other by a microtubular bridge called a “stalk”. Microtubules are formed from subunits called alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin, which are transported to the centrosome from the cell’s Golgi apparatus.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are organelles found in the cells of organisms that are eukaryotic. They are responsible for converting food into energy. It is believed that they have their origins in ancient bacteria that entered another cell.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes are organelles found in the cytoplasm of a cell. They are spherical in shape and contain enzymes that help break down food, waste products, and debris. These organelles are also primarily responsible for the digestion of macromolecules.
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