Table of Contents
Animal Cell Definition
An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that has no cell wall and has a true nucleus, bound by membranes and other organelle cells.
Animal cells are normal in the eukaryotic cell, which is trapped by plasma membranes and contains the nucleus and organelles bound by membranes. The ability to navigate using special muscle tissue is a mark of animals, although a few animals, especially sponges, do not have a distinct muscle.
Definition
Animal cells vary in size from a few microns to a few millimeters. The largest known animal cell is the ostrich egg, which can stretch more than 5.1 inches in diameter and weigh 1.4 pounds (1.4 kg). This is very different from the neuron in the human body, which is only 100 microns in diameter.
The structure of animal cells also varies, with some being flat, oval, or sticky. There are also very interesting shapes such as curved, spherical, concave, and rectangular. Most cells have a very small size and can only be seen with a microscope.
As mentioned earlier, animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a nucleus attached to a membrane. In addition, these cells display the presence of DNA within the nucleus. They also include other organelles bound to the membrane and cell structures that perform certain functions that are necessary for the cell to function properly.
Although this representation of an animal cell does not represent any particular type of cell, it does provide insight into the main organelle and the intricate internal structure of many animal cells. In addition, it is easy to distinguish between a plant and an animal cell diagram by examining the presence or absence of a cell wall.
Animal Cell Structure
Animal cells are usually smaller than plant cells. Another feature that explains its unusual nature. This is due to the lack of a cell wall. But animal cells share some cellular organelles with plant cells as both originate from eukaryotic cells.
A normal animal cell consists of the following organelle cells:
- Cell Membrane: A thin layer of semipermeable membrane of proteins and fats around the cell. Its main role is to protect the cell from the surrounding environment. Also, it controls the entry and exit of nutrients and other tiny substances in the cell.
- Nuclear Membrane: It is a structure with two membranes around the nucleus. It is also called a nuclear envelope.
- The nucleus: It is an organelle that contains several other sub-organelles such as nucleolus, nucleosomes, and chromatin. It also contains DNA and other genes.
- Centrosome: It is a small organelle located near the nucleus with a thick center with shiny tubes. Centrosomes are where microtubules are produced.
- Lysosome (Cell Vesicles): They are circular organelle surrounded by membranes and include digestive enzymes that assist in digestion, excretion, and cell proliferation in the regeneration process.
- Cytoplasm: Jelly-like material containing all cell organelles, trapped inside the cell membrane. The substance inside the cell nucleus, contained in the nuclear membrane, is called the nucleoplasm.
- Golgi Apparatus: The flat, smooth, organ-like organelle is located close to the nucleus and is involved in the formation, storage, packing, and transport of particles throughout the cell.
- Mitochondrion: They are round or rod-shaped organelles with a double layer. They are the energy cell of the cell as they play a vital role in releasing energy.
- Ribosome: Tiny organelles are composed of cytoplasmic granules that are rich in RNA, and are protein-binding compounds.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): This cellular organelle is composed of a thin, dense network of membranous sacs from the nucleus.
- Vacuole: The membrane-bound to the membrane present within the cell is involved in maintaining the structure and storing water, food, waste, etc.
- Nucleopore: They are tiny holes in the nucleus of the cell that are involved in the movement of nucleic acids and proteins within a cell.
Types of animal cells
There are many types of animal cells, each of which is designed to perform specific functions. The most common types of animal cells are:
- Skin Cells: Melanocytes, keratinocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans cells
- Muscle Cells: Myocyte, Myosatellite cells, Tendon cells, heart muscle cells
- Blood Cells: Leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets
- Emotional Cells: Schwann cells, glial cells, etc.
- Fat Cells: Adipocytes
Factors to Note About Animal Cell
The cell is a structural and functional unit of life. These cells vary in size, size, and structure as they perform certain functions. Plant and animal cells share certain features as they are both eukaryotic cells.
However, they are different as animals need to adapt to a more active and stable lifestyle. In addition, animals need to find their own food. Therefore, they do not have special cell organelles, such as chloroplasts.
Also, read the Circulatory System of Cockroach.
FAQs on Animal Cell
What is an animal cell?
As the name implies, an animal cell is a type of cell that is especially visible in the tissues of animals. The absence of a cell wall characterizes it, and cell organelles are trapped inside the cell membrane.
Name a cell organelle that contains the genes of a cell.
The nucleus.
Which cell organelle is responsible for producing energy for cellular activity?
Name the two-layer membrane responsible for covering the nucleus.
What is the role of lysosomes?
Lysosomes help digest food, detoxify, and regenerate cells.
Explain how an animal cell differs from a plant cell.
An animal cell is usually not the same size and shape. This is mainly due to the lack of a cell wall, a significant feature of plant cells. In addition, animal cells do not have plastids, as animals are not autotrophic.
Name an easily accessible structure that closes the whole cell.
Cell membrane.
Which cell organelle is responsible for packaging?
Golgi Equipment.
Name the different types of animal cells.
Skin Cells, Muscle Cells, Blood Cells, Nerve cells, and Fat Cells
What animal cell is class 9?
Class 9 animal cells are primarily eukaryotic cells, which are characterized by their larger size, complex structure, and the presence of a nucleus and other organelles. These cells are found in multicellular animals and perform various functions depending on the tissue they belong to. The plasma membrane, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and centrioles are some of the key organelles found in animal cells.
Why is animal cell important?
The animal cell is important because it is the basic structural and functional unit of animal organisms. It plays a crucial role in supporting life processes, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Additionally, the animal cell's various organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, perform specialized functions that are essential for the cell's survival and the overall functioning of the organism.
What are the functions of the parts of the animal cell?
The functions of the parts of an animal cell are diverse and essential for the cell's survival and overall functioning. For instance, the nucleus houses the genetic material and controls cell activities, the mitochondria produce energy, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, the Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins, and the plasma membrane regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. These are just a few examples of the many specialized functions performed by different parts of the animal cell.
Is animal cell a dead cell?
No, an animal cell is not a dead cell. Animal cells are living cells that are the basic structural and functional units of animal organisms. They perform various functions that are essential for the survival and functioning of the organism.
