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Home » Cell Biology » Animal Cell- Definition, Structure, Parts, Functions and Diagram

Animal Cell- Definition, Structure, Parts, Functions

and Diagram
February 15, 2020 by Faith Mokobi

Biology Educational Videos

Table of Contents [ hide ]

Definition of animal cell

Animal cell size and shape
Animal cell structure
Figure: Diagram of Animal Cell, created with biorender.com
Animal Cell Free Worksheet
Animal cell organelles
Plasma membrane (Cell membrane) – Definition, Structure, and Functions with
Diagram
Definition of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)
Figure: Diagram of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane), created with biorender.com
 Structure of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)
Functions of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)
Nucleus – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Definition of Nucleus
Figure: Diagram of Nucleus, created with biorender.com
Structure of Nucleus
Functions of Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Definition of Cytoplasm
Figure: Diagram of Cytoplasm, created with biorender.com
Mitochondria – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Definition of Mitochondria
Figure: Diagram of Mitochondria, created with biorender.com
Structure of Mitochondria
Functions of Mitochondria
Ribosomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Definition of Ribosomes
Figure: Diagram of Ribosome, created with biorender.com
Structure of Ribosomes
Functions of Ribosomes
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Structure of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Figure: Diagram of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), created with biorender.com
Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Types of Endoplasmic Reticulum
Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies/Golgi complex) – Definition, Structure, and Functions
with Diagram
Structure of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies)
Figure: 2D and 3D Diagram of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies or Golgi complex),
created with biorender.com
Functions of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies)
Lysosomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: 2D and 3D Diagram of Lysosomes, created with biorender.com
Structure of Lysosomes
Functions of Lysosomes
Cytoskeleton – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
 Structure of Cytoskeleton
Figure: Diagram of Cytoskeleton, created with biorender.com
Functions of Cytoskeleton
Microtubules – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Structure of Microtubules
Figure: Diagram of Microtubules, created with biorender.com
Functions of Microtubules
Centrioles – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Centrioles, created with biorender.com
Structure of Centrioles
Functions of Centrioles
Peroxisomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Peroxisome, created with biorender.com
Structure of Peroxisomes
Functions of Peroxisomes
Cilia and Flagella – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Cilia and Flagella, created with biorender.com
Structure of Cilia and flagella
Functions of Cilia and flagella
Endosome – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Endosomes, created with biorender.com
Structure of Endosome
Functions of Endosome
Vacuoles – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Vacuole, created with biorender.com
Structure of Vacuoles
Functions of Vacuoles
Microvilli – Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Figure: Diagram of Microvilli, created with biorender.com
Structure of Microvilli
Functions of Microvilli
References and Sources
Animal Cell – Definition, Structure, Parts, Functions and Diagram

Last Updated on January 26, 2021 by Sagar Aryal

Definition of animal cell

Animals are a large group of diverse living organisms that make up to three-quarters of
all species on earth. With their ability to move, to respond to stimuli, respond to
environmental changes and adapt to different modes of feeding defense mechanisms
and reproduction, all these mechanisms are enhanced by their constituent elements in
the body. However, animals cannot manufacture their own food like plants and hence
they depend on plants in one way or another.
All living things are made up of cells that make up their body structure. Some of these
living things are single-celled (unicellular) and other organisms are made up of more
than one cell (Multicellular).
A cell is the smallest (microscopic) structural-functional unit of life of an organism. The
cells that constitute an animal are called Animal cells and those that constitute plants
are known as plant cells.
Most cells are covered by a protective membrane known as the cell wall which gives the
cells their shape and rigidity.
An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell that lacks a cell wall, and it is enclosed by the plasma
membrane. The cell organelles are enclosed by the plasma membrane including the cell
nucleus. Unlike the animal cell lacking the cell wall, plant cells have a cell wall.
Since animal cells lack a rigid cell wall it allows them to develop a great diversity of cell
types, tissues, and organs. The nerves and muscles are made up of specialized cells
that plant cells cannot evolve to form, hence giving these nerve and muscle cells have
the ability to move.

Animal cell size and shape

 Animal cells come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, with their size ranging from a few
millimeters to micrometers. The largest animal cell is the ostrich egg which has a 5-inch
diameter, weighing about 1.2-1.4 kg and the smallest animal cells are the neurons of
about 100 microns in diameter.
Animal cells are smaller than the plant cells and they are generally irregular in shape
taking various forms of shapes, due to lack of the cell wall. Some cells are round, oval,
flattened or rod-shaped, spherical, concave, rectangular. This is due to the lack of a cell
wall. Note: most of the cells are microscopic hence they can only be seen under a
microscope in order to study their anatomy.
But animal cells share other cellular organelles with plant cells as both have evolved
from eukaryotic cells.
As noted earlier, animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a membrane-bound nucleus.
therefore they have their genetic material in the form of DNA enclosed in the nucleus.
They also have several structural organelles within the plasma membrane which
perform various specific functions for proper cell function and generally to maintain the
body normal mechanisms.

Animal cell structure

 Figure: Diagram of Animal Cell, created with biorender.com

The animal cell is made up of several structural organelles enclosed in the plasma
membrane, that enable it to function properly, eliciting mechanisms that benefit the host
(animal). The working together of all cells gives an animal its ability to move, to reproduce, to
respond to stimuli, to digest and absorb food, etc. Generally, the combined effort by all
animal cells is what enables the normal functioning of the body.

Animal Cell Free Worksheet

Answer key
 Animal cell organelles

The major cell organelles include:

Plasma membrane (Cell membrane) – Definition,

Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Definition of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)

It is a thin semipermeable protein-membrane layer that surrounds an animal cell.

Figure: Diagram of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane), created with

biorender.com

Structure of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)

Thin semi-permeable membrane

It contains a percentage of lipids making a semi-permeable barrier between the cell and
its physical environment.
It has some protein components a
It is very consistent around the cell
All living cells have a plasma membrane.
Functions of Plasma membrane (Cell membrane)

To enclose and protect the cell content

To also regulate the molecules that pass into and out of the cell, through the plasma
membrane. Therefore it controls homeostasis.
The proteins are actively involved in transporting materials across the membrane
The proteins and lipids allow cell communication, and carbohydrates (sugars and sugar
chains), which decorate both the proteins and lipids and help cells recognize each other.

Nucleus – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram

Definition of Nucleus

This is a spherical structured organelle found majorly at the center of a cell surrounded
by a double-layered nuclear membrane separating it from the cytoplasm.
It is held together to the cytoplasm with the help of the filaments and microtubules.
It holds other cells organelles including the nucleolus, nucleosomes, and chromatins.
A cell has one nucleus which divides producing multinucleated cells e.g. the skeletal
muscle cell fibers.
Some cells lose their nuclei after maturations e.g. the red blood cells.
 Figure: Diagram of Nucleus, created with biorender.com

Structure of Nucleus

The double-layered membrane is a continuous channel of membranous from the

endoplasmic reticulum network.
The membrane has pores which allow entry of large molecule
Nucleoli (Singular; nucleolus) are tiny/small bodies found in the nucleus
The nucleus and its component organelles are suspended in the nucleoplasm (House of
the chromosomal DNA and genetic materials)

Functions of Nucleus

The primary role of the nucleus is to control and regulate cell activities of growth and
maintain cell metabolisms.
It also carries the genes that have hereditary information of the cell.
The chromosomal DNA and genetic materials, which are made up of genetic coded
ultimately make up their proteins’ amino acid sequences for use by the cell.
 Therefore, the nucleus is the information center.
It is the site for Transcription (formation of mRNA from DNA) and the mRNA is
transported to the nuclear envelope.

Cytoplasm

Definition of Cytoplasm

This is a gel-like material that contains all the cell organelles, enclosed within the cell
membrane.
These organelles include; Mitochondria, ribosomes, Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi
apparatus, lysosomes intermediate filaments, microfilaments microtubules, vesicles.
 Figure: Diagram of Cytoplasm, created with biorender.com

Mitochondria – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
Definition of Mitochondria

These are membrane-bound organelles located in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells
The number of mitochondria found in each cell varies widely depending on the function
of the cell it performs.
For example, erythrocytes do not have mitochondria while the liver and muscle cells
have thousands of mitochondria.

Figure: Diagram of Mitochondria, created with biorender.com

Structure of Mitochondria

They are rod-shaped or oval or spherically shaped, with a size of 0.5 to 10 μm.
Mitochondria have two special membranes – outer and inner membrane.
They have a mitochondrial gel-matric in the central mass.
The membranes bend into folds known as cristae.

Functions of Mitochondria
Their primary function is to generate energy for the cell i.e they are the power
generators, producing energy in form of Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP), by converting
nutrients and oxygen into energy enabling the cell to perform its function and to also
release excess energy from the cell.
Mitochondria also store calcium which assists in cell signaling activity, generating
cellular and mechanical heat and mediating cellular growth and death.
The outer membrane is permeable, allowing the transport of small molecules and a
special channel to transport large molecules.
The inner mitochondrial membrane is less permeable thus allowing very small
molecules into the mitochondrial gel-matrix in the central mass.  The gel matrix is
composed of the mitochondria DNA and enzymes for the Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle
or the Kreb’s Cycle.
The TCA cycle uses up the nutrients, converting them into by-products that the
mitochondria use for producing energy. These processes take place in the inner
membrane because the membrane bends into folds called the cristae, where the protein
components used for the main energy production system cells, known as the Electron
Transport Chain (ETC). ETC is the main source of ATP production in the body.
The ETC involves several sequences of oxidation-reduction reactions to transport
electrons from one protein component to another, thus producing energy that is used for
phosphorylation of ADP (Adenosine diphosphate) to ATP. This process is called the
chemiosmotic coupling of oxidative phosphorylation. This mechanism gives energy to
most cellular activities including muscle movement and they power up the general brain
function.
Some if not all proteins and molecules that make up the mitochondria come from the
cell nucleus. The mitochondrial nucleus genome has 37 genes of which 13 of these
genes produce most of the components of the ETC. However, the mitochondrial DNA is
very vulnerable to mutations because they don’t possess a large DNA repair mechanism,
a common element found in other nuclear DNAs.
Moreover, Reactive Oxygen Species ((ROS)) also called free radicals are produced in
the mitochondrion, because of the preference for abnormal production of free electrons.
These electrons are neutralized by antioxidant proteins in the mitochondrion. However,
some of the free radicals can damage mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Equally, consumption of alcohol can cause damage to the mtDNA because excess
ethanol in the body causes saturation of the detoxifying enzymes leading to the
production and leakage of highly reactive electrons into the cytoplasmic membrane and
into the mitochondrial matrix, combining with other cellular molecules forming
numerous radicals that significantly cause cell damage.
 Most organisms inherit the mtDNA from their mother. This is because the maternal egg
donates most of the cytoplasm to the embryo while the mitochondria inherited from the
father’s sperm is destroyed. This causes the origin of inherited and acquired
mitochondrial diseases due to mutations transmitted into the embryo from the maternal
and paternal DNA or maternal mtDNA. Such diseases include Alzheimer’s disease and
Parkinson’s disease. When mutated mtDNA accumulates over time has been linked to
aging and the development of certain cancers and diseases.
Naturally, mitochondria play a major role in programmed cell death (apoptosis) and due
to mutations in the mtDNA can inhibit cell death-causing the development of cancer.

Ribosomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
Definition of Ribosomes

They are small organelles majorly made up of 60% RNA cytoplasmic- granules and 40%
proteins.
All living cells contain ribosomes, which may be freely circulating in the cytoplasm and
some are bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
It is the site for protein synthesis.

Figure: Diagram of Ribosome, created with biorender.com

Structure of Ribosomes
 Ribosomes are made up of ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In a
eukaryotic cell, ribosomes constitute half ribosomal RNA and half ribosomal proteins.
Each ribosome is made up of two subunits i. e large subunit and small subunit with their
own distinct shapes. These subunits are designated as the 40s and 60s in the animal
cell.

Functions of Ribosomes

Ribosomes that occur as free particles are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum
membrane occurring in large numbers accounting for about a quarter of the cell
organelles. A single replicated cell has about 10 million ribosomes.
The ribosomal subunits are the site for genetic coding into proteins. On the ribosomes,
the mRNA helps determine the coding for Transfer RNA (tRNA) which also determines
the protein amino acid sequences. This leads to the formation of the rRNA which are
involved in the catalyzation of peptidyl transferase creating the peptide bond found
between the amino acid sequences that develop the proteins. The formed proteins then
detach from the ribosomes, migrating to other cell parts for utilization by the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) – Definition, Structure, and

Functions with Diagram
Structure of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

This is a continuous folded membranous organelle found in the cytoplasm made up of a

thin network of flattened interconnected compartments (sacs) that connects from the
cytoplasm to the cell nucleus.
Within its membranes, there are membranous spaces called the cristae spaces and the
membrane folding are called cristae.
There are two types of ER based on their structure and the function they perform
including Rough Endoplasmic reticulum and the Smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
 Figure: Diagram of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), created with
biorender.com

Functions of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Manufacturing, processing and transporting proteins for cell utilization both in and out
of the cell. This is because it is directly connected to the nuclear membrane providing a
passage between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
The ER has more than half the membranous cell content, hence it has a large surface
area where chemical reactions take place. They also contain the enzymes for almost all
the cell lipid synthesis hence they are the site for lipid synthesis.

The variation in physical and functional characteristics differentiate the ER into two types i.e
Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Types of Endoplasmic Reticulum

1. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER) – Rough ER is called “rough” because there
surface is covered with ribosomes, giving it a rough appearance.  The function of the
ribosomes on rough ER is to synthesis proteins and they have a signaling sequence,
directing them to the endoplasmic reticulum for processing. Rough ER transports the
 proteins and lipids through the cell into the cristae. They are then sent into the Golgi
bodies or inserted into the cell membrane.
2. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER) – Smooth ER is not associated with
ribosomes and their unction is different from that of the rough endoplasmic reticulum,
despite lying adjacent to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Its function is to synthesis
lipids (cholesterol and phospholipids) that are utilized for producing new cellular
membranes. They are also involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones from
cholesterol for certain cell types.  It also contributes to the detoxification of the liver
after the intake of drugs and toxic chemicals.

There is also a specialized type of smooth ER known as the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Its
function is to regulate the concentration of Calcium ions in the muscle cell cytoplasm.

Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies/Golgi complex) –

Definition, Structure, and Functions with Diagram
Structure of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies)

These are membrane-bound cell organelles found in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell,
next to the endoplasmic reticulum and near the nucleus.
Golgi bodies are supported together by cytoplasmic microtubules and held by a protein
matrix
It is made up of flattened stacked pouches known as cisternae.
These cisternae maybe 4- 10 in number for animal cell Golgi bodies though some
organisms like single-celled organisms have about 60 cisternae.
They have three primary compartments known as cis (Cisternae Nearest the
Endoplasmic Reticulum), medial (central layers of cisternae) and the trans (cisternae
farthest from the endoplasmic reticulum).
Animal cells have very few (1-2) Golgi bodies while plants have a few hundred.
 Figure: 2D and 3D Diagram of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies or Golgi
complex), created with biorender.com

Functions of Golgi apparatus (Golgi bodies)

Their primary function is to transport, modify and pack proteins and lipids into the Golgi
vesicles to deliver them to their target sites. Animal cells contain one or more Golgi
bodies while plants have a few hundred.
Cis and trans Golgi network make up the outer layer of cisternae at the cis and trans
face and they are responsible for sorting proteins and lipids received at the cis face and
released by the trans face, by the Golgi bodies.
The cis face collects the proteins and lipids, of fused vesicles in clusters. The fused
vesicles move along the microtubules through a specialized compartment known as the
vesicular-tubular cluster.  This compartment is found between the endoplasmic
reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.
The vesicle clusters fuse with the cis Golgi network, delivering the proteins and lipids
into the cis face cisternae and as they move from the cis face to the trans face, they get
modified to functional units. These functional units get delivered to intracellular and
extracellular components of the cell.
Modification mechanisms include:
Cleaving of oligosaccharides chains
Attachment of sugar moieties of different side chains
Adding fatty acids and/or phosphate groups by phosphorylation, and/or removing
monosaccharides e.g. the removal of the mannose moieties takes place in the cis and
 the medial cisternae while adding of galactose takes place in the trans cisternae.
Sorting of the modified proteins and lipids occurs in the trans-Golgi network and packed
into the trans vesicles, which then delivers them to the lysosomes or sometimes to the
cell membrane for exocytosis. Assisted by ligands bound to receptors triggering fusion
and protein secretion.

Lysosomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
It is also known as cell vesicles; Lysosomes were discovered by Christian Rene de Duve, a
Belgian cytologist in the 1950s.

Figure: 2D and 3D Diagram of Lysosomes, created with biorender.com

Structure of Lysosomes

They are round subcellular organelle found in almost all eukaryotic cells
Lysosomes are very acidic organelles containing the digestive enzymes and therefore
each of the lysosomes is surrounded by a membrane to protect it from the outer
environment.

Functions of Lysosomes

This is the site for digestion of cell nutrients, excretion, and cell renewal.
 Lysosomes break down macromolecules components from the outside of the cell into
simpler elements that are transported into the cytoplasm via a proton pump to build
new cell materials.
These macromolecule components include old cells and parts, cell waste products,
microorganisms, and cell debris.
The digestive enzymes found in the lysosomes are called hydrolytic enzymes or acid
hydrolases, breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules that can be utilized
by the cell.
These enzymes also break down large molecules e. g proteins, carbohydrates, lipids,
into small molecules e.g. amino acids and simple sugars, fatty acids, respectively.
Note: The enzymes are active only on the inside of the acidic lysosome and their acidity
protects the cell from degrading itself when there is lysosomal leakage because the cell
pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.

Cytoskeleton – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
Structure of Cytoskeleton

This is a fibrous network that’s formed from and by different proteins of long chains of
amino acids.
These proteins are found in the cell cytoplasm of the eukaryotic cells.
They are also made up of 3 types of tiny filaments: Actin filaments (Microfilaments),
Microtubules, Intermediate filaments.
 Figure: Diagram of Cytoskeleton, created with biorender.com

Functions of Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton functions to create a network organizing the cell components and to
also maintain the cell shape.
It also provided a uniform movement of the cell and its organelles, by the filament
system network found in the cell’s cytoplasm.
It also organizes some of the cell components maintaining the cell shape
It plays a major role in the movement of the cell and some cell organelles in the
cytoplasm.
The tiny filaments include:
Actin filaments; also known as microfilaments; it’s a meshwork of fibers running
parallel to each other and they play a primary role in giving the cell its shape; they
change consistently, helping the cell to move and to also mediate certain cell activities
such as adherence ability to substrates and cleavage mechanisms during mitotic cell
division
Microtubules- these are long filaments that assist in mitosis moving daughter
chromosomes to new forming daughter cells.
 Intermediate filaments– they are more stable filaments in comparison to the actin and
microtubules. They form the true skeleton of the cell, and the hold the nucleus in its
rightful position within the cell.
It also allows the cell’s elasticity factor enabling it to endure physical tension.
Other proteins that may be added as part of the cytoskeleton of the cell include septin
((assembles the filaments) and spectrin (help maintain the structure of the cell by
pulling together the cell membrane with the intracellular surface of the cell).

Microtubules – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
Structure of Microtubules

These are long, straight, hollow cylinders filaments that are constructed from 13-15 sub-
filaments (protofilament) strand of a special globular protein called tubulin, found only
in eukaryotic cells.
They are found throughout the cytoplasm of the animal cell.

Figure: Diagram of Microtubules, created with biorender.com

Functions of Microtubules
 Transportation of some organelles like the mitochondria and the vesicles i.e.
transporting vesicles from the neuron cell body to the axon tips, and back to the cell
body
Structural support, they give characteristic support to the Golgi bodies, holding them
within the gel-matrix of the cytoplasm.
They provide the rigid and organized component of the cytoskeleton of the cell, enabling
a cell to take up a particular shape.
They are the main elements that make up the locomotive projections of a cell (cilia and
flagella)
They also play a role in forming the spindle fibers of the chromosome of the cell during
mitotic cell division.

Centrioles – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
This is distinctly found in the animal cell, which has the ability to replicate or make copies by
itself. It is made up of 9 microtubule bundles and their primary function is to assist in
organizing the cell division process.

Figure: Diagram of Centrioles, created with biorender.com

Structure of Centrioles 
 It is a small structure that is made up of 9 sets of microtubules, placed in groups of
three hence they are triplet microtubules.
As triplets, they remain very strong together hence they have been observed to be in
structures like cilia and flagella.
The triplet microtubules are held together by proteins, giving the centriole its shape.
They are found in the centrosome, creating and holding microtubules within the cell.
The triplet microtubules are surrounded by a pericentriolar matrix containing molecules
that build up the microtubules.
Each microtubule within the triplet microtubule complex is made up of tubulin subunits
that join together forming long hollow tubes that look like straw (microtubules).

Functions of Centrioles

The centriole microtubules allow the transportation of substances that are linked
together with a glycoprotein to any cell location. the glycoprotein linkage acts as a
signaling unit to move specific proteins.
The centrioles anchor the microtubules that extend from it and contain the factors
needed to create more tubules.
Mitosis is achieved by replication of each centriole which makes duplicates of each
centriole (4 centrioles). The newly formed centrioles divide into two centrosomes, each
centriole at an angle to the second centriole. The microtubules between the
centrosomes, push the pairs of centrioles apart, to the opposite ends of the cell. When
the centrioles are in place, the microtubules extend to the cell cytoplasm, to seek for the
chromosome. The microtubules then bind to the chromosome at the centromere. The
microtubules are then unassembled fro the centriole moving the chromosomes apart.

Peroxisomes – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
These are tiny bodies found in the cytoplasm.
 Figure: Diagram of Peroxisome, created with biorender.com

Structure of Peroxisomes

They are spherically shaped, bound by a membrane and they are the most common
micro-bodies in the cell cytoplasm.

Functions of Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes functions include:

Lipid metabolism
Chemical detoxification by moving hydrogen atoms from various oxygen molecules to
produce hydrogen peroxide, hence neutralizing body poison such as alcohol.
Its mechanism in Reactive Oxygen species is highly essential.

Cilia and Flagella – Definition, Structure, and Functions

with Diagram
These are locomotive projections found on the surface of the cell.
 Figure: Diagram of Cilia and Flagella, created with biorender.com

Structure of Cilia and flagella

They are made of strands of filaments. these filaments have partial and complete
microtubules that extend the projections. Partial microtubules don’t extend to the tip of
the cilium and the complete microtubules extend to the tip of the cilium.
The microtubules also have motor proteins known as dynein making a link between the
partial microtubules to the complete microtubules.
The whole collection is combined together as extensions on the plasma membrane of
the cell.

Functions of Cilia and flagella

Sperm cells have flagella allowing it to swim to the ova for fertilization. For single cells,
such as sperm, this enables them to swim.
Cilia in the animal cell helps move fluids away from and past immobile cells.
Cilia help move surface particles especially on the epithelial lining of the nostrils, and
moving mucus over the surface of the cell.
 Endosome – Definition, Structure, and Functions with
Diagram
These are vesicles bound by membranes and formed by a mechanism of endocytosis. They
are found in the cell cytoplasm.

Figure: Diagram of Endosomes, created with biorender.com

Structure of Endosome

They are membranous organelles that are bound to the cell membrane.

Functions of Endosome

Its main function involves folding in of the plasma membrane. The folding allows
diffusing in of molecules through the extracellular fluids.
Their primary role is to remove waste materials from the cell by endocytic processes
such as exocytosis and phagocytosis
 Vacuoles – Definition, Structure, and Functions with
Diagram
These are fluid-filled cell organelles enclosed by a membrane.

Figure: Diagram of Vacuole, created with biorender.com

Structure of Vacuoles

They are membrane-bound sacs found within the cell cytoplasm.

The vacuole sac has a single membrane surrounding it known as a tonoplast and this
membrane resembles the plasma membrane.

Functions of Vacuoles

their primary function is to store food, water, carbohydrates in the form of sugars and
waste materials.
Tonoplast is a regulator controlling the inflow and outflow of small across a protein
pump
acts as the guard for what kinds of matter are allowed passage to and from vacuoles
 They also remove toxic substances and waste materials from the cell as a protection
strategy.
They also remove poorly folded proteins from the cell.
Vacuoles also can be able to change their functionality to provide necessary roles that
suit the cell, by being able to change shape and size.

Microvilli – Definition, Structure, and Functions with

Diagram
These are surface protrusions found in the intestinal lining, on egg cell surfaces, and on
white blood cells.

Figure: Diagram of Microvilli, created with biorender.com

Structure of Microvilli

These are surface protrusions formed from accessory proteins of the actin filaments.
The accessory proteins bundle together to form microvilli on the surface of the cell
membrane
Functions of Microvilli

In the small intestines, they increase the surface area for the absorption of digested
food and water. Some microvilli may be found in the ear for detection of sound and they
transmit the sound waves to the brain through an electric signal.
They also help to anchor the sperm to the egg for easy fertilization.
In white blood cells, they also act as anchors allowing the white blood cells freely
moving in the circulatory system to attach to possible pathogens.

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Animal Cell – Definition, Structure, Parts, Functions and

Diagram

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5 thoughts on “Animal Cell- Definition, Structure, Parts, Functions and

Diagram”

Nelly Betty
March 1, 2021 at 2:23 AM

Dis is d best all over d world .

Reply

Bob rox
October 28, 2020 at 11:24 PM

Very helpful ,thanks to you I got a A+ on my science exam

Reply
sixtus
October 19, 2020 at 8:04 PM

Interesting lessons
Thanks, God bless

Reply

Sylivern Mutabazi
September 16, 2020 at 1:16 PM

Iit has been such a wonderful experience to read through work on this web page.
Thanks a lot adiministrator Ivany.
From Sylivern, Agriculture and animal physiology facilitator at St. Joseph of
Nazareth High School, Kampala Uganda. Kampala-Masaka road.

Reply

Ivany adm
August 4, 2020 at 11:37 PM

It’s so good and understand able

Reply

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