Animal cells are made up of many parts, called Organelles. All of these organelles work together to keep the cell alive. Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. Animal cells are normally irregular shapes and tend to be various sizes. Animal cells are made up of many organelles which include the Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm, Centrioles, Microtubules, Mitochondria, Centrosome, Golgi Complex, Nucleus, Nucleolus, Nuclear Membrane, Vacuoles and Endoplasmic Reticulums. Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities, from producing hormones to providing energy for the animal cell.
Cell Membrane: A thin layer of protein and fat surrounding the cell.
Cytoplasm: The clear, jelly-like material that supports and protects the cell organelles.
Microtubules: They are fibrous, hollow rods that function primarily to help support and shape the cell.
Mitochondria: It takes in nutrients, breaks them down and creates energy for the cell.
Centrosome: A small body near the nucleus where microtubules are made.
Golgi Complex: A flattened, layered organelle that looks like a stack of pancakes that produces the membranes that surround the lysosomes.
Nucleus: Controls many of the cell’s functions.
Nucleolus: Within the nucleus where the ribosomal RNA is produced.
Nuclear Membrane: The membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
Vacuoles: It fills with food being digested and waste material that is on its way out of the cell.
Endoplasmic Reticulums:
- Rough ER transports materials through the cell and produces proteins in sacks called cisternae (which are sent to the Golgi body, or inserted into the cell membrane).
- Smooth ER transports materials through the cell. It contains enzymes and produces and digests fats and membrane proteins; smooth ER buds off from rough ER, moving the newly-made proteins and fats to the Golgi body, lysosomes, and membranes.
These organelles all have their own special jobs to keep the cell alive and are all very important. For example, the cell needs the Mitochondia so the cell will have energy and it needs the Microtubules so it can support and shape the cell.