All animal cells are multicellular. They are eukaryotic cells.

Animal cells are surrounded by

plasma membrane and it contains the nucleus and organelles that are membrane bound.

Animal cells are of various sizes and have irregular shapes. Most of the cells size range between 1 and 100
micrometers and are visible only with help of microscope. Trillions of cells are found in the human body. There are
many different types of cells, approximately 210 distinct cell types in adult human body.

Animal Cell Definition

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Animal cells are eukarytoic. Animal cells are have outer boundary known as the plasma
membrane. The nucleus and the organelles of the cell are bound by a membrane. The genetic
material (DNA) in animal cells is within the nucleus that is bound by a double membrane. The
cell organelles have a vast range of functions to perform like hormone and enzyme production to
providing energy for the cells.

The components of animal cells are centrioles, cilia and flagella, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi
apparatus, lysosomes, microfilaments, microtubules, mitochondria, nucleus, peroxisomes,
plasma membrane and ribosomes.

Parts of Animal Cell

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Animal cell contains membrane bound nucleus, it also contains other membrane bound cellular
organelles. These cellular organelles carry out specific functions that are necessary for the
normal functioning of the cell. Animal cells lack cell wall, a large vacuole and plastids. Due to the lack of the
cell wall, the shape and size of the animal cells are mostly irregular. The constituents of animal cells are structures
like centrioles, cilia and flagella and lysosomes.

Parts of the animal cell are as follows:

Cell membrane - forms the outer covering of the cell, and is semi-permeable.

Cytoplasm - is a gel-like matrix where all the other cell organelles are suspended inside the cell.

Nucleus - contains the hereditary material DNA and directs the activities of the cell.

Centrioles - organize the microtubules assembly during cell division.

Endoplasmic Reticulum - are a network of membranes composed of rough and smooth

endoplasmic reticulum.

Golgi complex - is responsible for storing, packaging of cellular products.

Lysosomes - are enzyme sacs, that digest cellular wastes.

Microtubules - are hollow rods, function primarily as support and shape to the cell.

Mitochondria - is the site for cellular respiration and producers of energy.

Ribosomes - are made of RNA and proteins, and are sites for protein synthesis.

Nucleolus - is the structure within the nucleus and helps in synthesis of ribosomes.

Nucleopore - is the tiny hole in the nuclear membrane, allows the movement of nucleic acids and
proteins in/out of the cell.

Animal Cell Structure

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Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, the nucleus and other organelles of the cell are bound by
membrane.

Cell membrane

 It is a semi-permeable barrier, allowing only a few molecules to move across it.

 Electron microscopic studies of cell membrane shows the lipid bi-layer model of the plasma membrane, it
also known as the fluid mosaic model.
 The cell membrane is made up of phospholipids which has polar(hydrophillic) heads and non-polar
(hydrophobic) tails.

Cytoplasm

 The fluid matrix that fills the cell is the cytoplasm.

 The cellular organelles are suspended in this matrix of the cytoplasm.
 This matrix maintains the pressure of the cell, ensures the cell doesn't shrink or burst.

Nucleus

 Nucleus is the house for most of the cells genetic material- the DNA and RNA.
 The nucleus is surrounded by a porous membrane known as the nuclear membrane.
 The RNA moves in/out of the nucleus through these pores.
 Proteins needed by the nucleus enter through the nuclear pores.
 The RNA helps in protein synthesis through transcription process.
 The nucleus controls the activity of the cell and is known as the control center.
 The nucleolus is the dark spot in the nucleus, and it is the location for ribosome formation.

Ribosomes
  Ribosomes is the site for protein synthesis where the translation of the RNA takes place.
 As protein synthesis is very important to the cell, ribosomes are found in large number in all cells.
 Ribosomes are found freely suspended in the cytoplasm and also are attached to the endoplasmic
reticulum.

Endoplasmic reticulum

 ER is the transport system of the cell. It transports molecules that need certain changes and also molecules
to their destination.
 ER is of two types, rough and smooth.
 ER bound to the ribosomes appear rough and is the rough endoplasmic reticulum; while the smooth ER do
not have the ribosomes.

Lysosomes

 It is the digestive system of the cell.

 They have digestive enzymes helps in breakdown the waste moelcules and also help in detoxification of the
cell.
 If the lysosomes were not membrane bound the cell could not have used the destructive enzymes.

Centrosomes

 It is located near the nucleus of the cell and is known as the 'microtubule organizing center' of the cell.
 Microtubules are made in the centrosome.
 During mitosis the centrosome aids in dividing of the cell and moving of the chromosome to the opposite
sides of the cell.

Vacuoles

 They are bound by single membrane and small organelles.

 In many organisms vacuoles are storage organelles.

Vesicles are smaller vacuoles which function for transport in/out of the cell.

Golgi bodies

 Golgi bodies are the packaging center of the cell.

 The Golgi bodies modify the molecules from the rough ER by dividing them into smaller units with
membrane known as vesicles.
 They are flattened stacks of membrane-bound sacs.

Mitochondria

 Mitochondria is the main energy source of the cell.

 They are called the power house of the cell because energy(ATP) is created here.
 Mitochondria consists of inner and outer membrane.
 It is spherical or rod shaped organelle.
 It is an organelle which is independent as it has its own hereditary material.

Peroxisomes
  Peroxisomes are single membrane bound organelle that contain oxidative enzymes that are digestive in
function.
 They help in digesting long chains of fatty acids and amino acids and help in synthesis of cholesterol.

Cytoskeleton

 It is the network of microtubules and microfilament fibres.

 They give structural support and maintain the shape of the cell.

Cilia and Flagella

 Cilia and flagella are structurally identical structures.

 They are different based on the function they perform and their length.
 Cilia are short and are in large number per cell while flagella are longer and are fewer in number.
 They are organelles of movement.
 The flagellar motion is undulating and wave-like whereas the ciliary movement is power stroke and
recovery stroke.

Function of Animal Cell

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All living organisms are made up of cells. Cells are differentiated into plant cells and animal
cells. Structurally there are a few differences in plant and animal cells though their functionality
is almost the same.

All the cells are enclosed in a protective membrane called the cell membrane however plant cells
have an extra addition the cell wall. The cells have certain organelles that are membrane bound
within them, these structures are called cellular organelles. These organelles are specified to
perform certain activities that are important for the survival of the cell. All the cells function
together in coordination with each other and help the organism to survive. The functions of
animal cell is carried out by the different cell organelles. The organelles of the cell function as a
unit and regulate the activities of the cell. The different cell organelles and their functions are as
follows:

Cell Nucleus - Cell nucleus is referred to as the control center of the cell. The genetic material of
the organism is present in the cell. The replication of DNA, and synthesis of RNA occurs in the
nucleus of the cell. It also regulates the activities of the other cellular organelles.

Mitochondria - The mitochondria is referred to as the power house of the cell. Its main function
if to produce energy for cell by the process of cellular respiration. The energy produced is ATP.

Endoplasmic Reticulum - It is a network for transportation of certain substances in and out of

the nucleus.

Golgi Apparatus - It is involved with processing and packaging of the molecules that are
synthesized by the cells. The crude proteins that are passed on by the ER to the apparatus are
developed by the golgi apparatus into primary, secondary, and tertiary proteins.

Ribosomes - The function of ribosomes is protein synthesis.

Lysosomes - They are referred to as the suicide bags of the cell. They have digestive enzymes
and are involved in clearing the in wanted waste materials from the cell. They also engulf
damaged materials like the damaged cells,and invading microorganisms and digest food
particles.

Vacuole - They are large storage organelles. They store excess food or water.

Functions of The Animal Cell

The animal cells perform variety of activities by the aid of the cellular organelles. These cells
function as a unit and the cells together form tissues. A group go tissues with similar function
form an organ and a group of organ of specific function to perform becomes and organ system.
Thus, the microscopic cells form the basic unit for the activities and coordination and help
survival of the organism.
Plant Cell
Organelles

 Animal Cell
o Animal Cell Definition
o Parts of Animal Cell
o Animal Cell Structure
o Function of Animal Cell

Related Concepts
About the Animal Cell
Cell Animation
The Cell Animation
Animal Cell and Plant Cell
Cell Cycle and Cell Division Animation
Differences between Plant Cell and Animal Cell Animation
Animal and Plant Cell Structure
cell organelle

Plant Cell
Plant cells are eukaryotic cells or cells with membrane bound nucleus. Generally, plant cells are
larger than animal cells and are mostly similar in size and are rectangular or cube shaped. Plant
cells are similar to animal cells in being eukaryotic and they have similar cell organelles.

What is a Plant Cell?

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Plant cells are eukaryotic cells i.e., the DNA in a plant cell is enclosed within the nucleus. The
most important distinctive structure of plant cell is the presence of the cell wall outside the cell
membrane. It forms the outer lining of the cell. The cell wall mostly constitutes of cellulose and
its main function is providing support and rigidity. Plants cells also contain many membrane
bound cellular structures. These organelles carry out specific functions necessary for survival
and normal operation of the cells. There are a wide range of operations like producing hormones,
enzymes, and all metabolic activities of the cell.

Diagram of Plant Cell

Distinctive Features of Plant Cell
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The features that are distinctive in plant cells are as follows:

Plant cells contain cell structures like cell wall, plastids, and large vacuoles.

Cell wall provide plant cells rigidity and structural support and cell to cell interaction.

Plastids help in storage of plant products.

Chloroplasts aid in carrying out the process of photosynthesis to produce food for the plants.

Vacuoles are water-filled, membrane bound organelles which stores useful materials.

Plants have specialized cells in order to perform certain functions for the survival of plants.
Some cells manufacture and store organic molecules, others transport nutrients throughout the
plant.

Some specialized plant cells include: parenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, sclerenchyma cells,
water conducting cells and food conducting cells.

Parts of Plant Cell

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Plants cell constitute of membrane bound nucleus and many cellular structures. These organelles
carry out functions that are necessary for the proper functioning and survival of the cell. The cell
organelles of the plant are enclosed by a cell wall and cell membrane. The constituents of the cell
are suspended in the cytoplasm or cytosol.

The parts of the plant cell are as follows:

Cell wall is the outermost rigid covering of the plant cell. It is a salient feature of plant cell.

Cell membrane or the plasma membrane is the outer lining of the cell inside the cell wall.

Cytosol or cytoplasm is the gel-like matrix inside the cell membrane which constitutes all other
cell organelles.

Nucleus is the control center of the cell. It is a membrane bound structure which contains the
hereditary material of the cell - the DNA

Chloroplast is a plastid with green pigment chlorophyll. It traps light energy and converts it to
chemical energy by the process of photosynthesis.

Mitochondria carries out cellular respiration and provides energy to the cells.

Vacuoles are the temporary storage center of the cell.

Golgi body is the unit where proteins are sorted and packed.

Ribosomes are structures that assemble proteins.

Endoplasmic reticulum are membrane covered organelles that transport materials.

Plant Cell Structure and Function
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All parts of the plant play a significant role in the proper functioning of the cell. Unlike animals,
plant cells are surrounded by a rigid cell wall.
Cell wall: The cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds the plant cells. It is made up of
cellulose. Cell wall is a characteristic feature to cells of plants. Plant cell walls are primarily
made up of cellulose. Plant cell wall consists of three layers: the primary cell wall, secondary cell
wall and the middle lamella. It is located outside the cell membrane whose main function is to
provide rigidity, strength, protection against mechanical stress and infection. Cell wall is made
up of cellulose, pectins,glycoproteins, hemicellulose and lignin.

Cell membrane: It is the outer boundary of the cell, it encloses the cytoplasm and the organelles
of the cells. In plants cells it is inside the cell wall. The cell membrane is semi permeable,
allowing only specific substances to pass through and blocking others.

Chloroplasts: It is an elongated or disc-shaped organelle containing chlorophyll. They have two

membranes and have structures that look like stack of coins. They are flattened structures which
contain chemical chlorophyll. The process of photosynthesis occurs in this region of the plant
cell. The chlorophyll is a green pigment that absorbs energy from sunlight to make food for the
plants by converting light energy into chemical energy.

Cytoskeleton: It is a network of fibers made up of micro-tubule and micro-filament. They

maintain the shape and gives support to the cell.

Microtubules: They are hollow cylinder like structures found in the cytoplasm of the cells. Its
function is transport and structural support.

Microfilaments: Microfialments are solid rod like structures whose primary function is structural
support.

Plasmodesmata: They are microscopic channels which traverse the cell walls of plant cells and
enables transport and communication between them.

Vacuole: Vacuoles are known as cells storage center. Plant cells have large membrane bound
chamber called vacuole. Its main function is storage. Vacuoles are found in the cytoplasm of
most plant cells. They are membrane bound organelles, they perform functions of secretion,
excretion and storage.
Tonoplast: A vacuole that is surrounded by a membrane is called tonoplast.

Plastids: Plastids are storage organelles. They store products like starch for synthesis of fatty
acids and terpenes.

Leucoplast: They are a type of plastid which are non-pigmented.

Chromoplast: They are plastids responsible for pigment synthesis and storage. They are found in
photosynthetic eukaryotic species. They are found in colored organs of plants like fruits and
flowers.

Golgi complex: The Golgi bodies look like the endoplasmic reticulum and are situated near the
nucleus. They are found in almost all eukaryotic cells. Their main function is to process and
package macromolecules synthesized from other parts of the cell. The Golgi apparatus is referred
to as the cell's packaging center.

Ribosomes: Ribosomes are smallest and the most abundant cell organelle. It comprises of RNA
and protein. Ribosomes are sites for protein synthesis. They are found in all cells because protein
are necessary for the survival of the cell. The ribososomes are known as the protein factories of
the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum: Endoplasmic reticulum is a membrane bound compartment, which look

like flattened sacs lined side by side. It is a large network of interconnecting membrane
tunnels. It is composed of both rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic
reticulum.
They are responsible for protein translation, and protein transport to be used in the cell
membrane. They also aid in sequestration of calcium, and production and storage of glycogen
and other macromolecules.

Mitochondria: Mitochondria are surrounded by two membranes. They are described as the
'power plants' of the cell as they convert glucose to energy molecules (ATP). They possess their
own hereditary material which help in self duplication and multiplication.

Lysosome: Lysosome contain digestive enzymes. They digest excess or worn out organelles,
food particles and any foreign bodies.

Microbody: It is a single membrane bound organelle that comprises of degradative enzymes

Cytoplasm: It is a gel-like matrix inside enclosed by the cell membrane. The cytoplasm supports
cell organelles and also prevents the cell from bursting or shrinking.

Nucleus: It is the control center of the cell. It is bound by a double membrane known as the
nuclear envelope. It is a porous membrane, it allows passage of substances and is a distinctive
characteristic of the eukaryotic cell. Most of the genetic material is organized as multiple long
linear DNA molecules. The nucleus directs all the activities of the cell and also help in protein
formation.

Plastids in Plant Cell

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Plastids are cell organelles that store specific things found only in plant cell but absent in animal
cells.In plant cell they are found in the cytoplasm. Plastids are spherical or ovoid in shape. They
are involved in manufacture and storage of certain important chemical compounds.

The term plastids was coined by Schimper in 1885 and was derived from a Greek word
'plastikas' which means formed or moulded.

Plastids in plants include chloroplasts, chromoplasts, leucoplasts, amyloplast, elaioplast and

proteinoplast/aleuronoplast depending on the function they play.

Chloroplasts

The word chloroplast is derived from the Greek word chloros meaning green and plast meaning
form or entity. It is the most important plastid as they are involved in photosynthesis. The
chloroplasts are situated near the surface of the cell and in parts where there is sufficient
reception of sunlight. The shape of the cholorplast varies, it may be spheroid or ovoid or discoid.

For a given cell type the size of plastid is constant but it differs from species to species.It is about
4-5 microns in length and 1-3 microns in thickness. The number of chloroplast may be 20 to 40
per cell may be upto 1000, the number varies from species to species but is constant for a plant.

Structure

Chloroplasts are disc-shaped and are enclosed by a double membrane.

Within the inner membrane is a protein-rich substance known as stroma, it is embedded in a
membrane system. This membrane system forms membrane bound vesicles called thylakoids.
The thylakoids lie in stacks called grana. This contains the photosynthetic pigments - chlorophyll
a and b and carotenoids. Lamellae are tubular membranes which interconnect the grana.

Functions

Photosynthesis is carried out in the chloroplast.

The enzymes and co-enzymes necessary for photosynthesis is present.

Chromoplast

Chromo means color; plast means living. Chromoplasts are colored plastids and they contain
various pigments like yellow,orange and red.
They are found commonly in flowers and fruits. The color is due ot pigement, carotenes and
xanthophylls.

Functions

In flowers the main function is attract agents for pollination.

In fruits it is to attract agents for dispersal.

Leucoplasts

These are colorless plastids and occur in parts of plants that are not exposed to light like roots
and seeds.
The absence of color is due to the lack of pigments.

Functions

Starch grain formations are seen in leucoplast.

Oils and proteins are synthesized here.