Introduction
“The cells of animals are analogous, in many respects, to those of plants.”
Thomas Huxley
An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that is present in all multi-cellular animals. It is bound by a plasma membrane and contains a nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and other organelles that are typical of eukaryotic cells.
In contrast to prokaryotic cells, animal cells are much larger and have a more complex structure. They also have specialized organelles and structures to enable them to function in a multi-cellular environment. Animal cells have a higher level of organization and are able to use their surrounding environment to their advantage. 
Dicovery of Animal Cell
The discovery of the animal cell happened in 1665 by Robert Hooke who was a scientist and a microscopist. Hooke used a microscope to observe and describe what he called “cells” in a thin slice of cork. He believed that these cells were the basic units of all living things and that all organisms were made up of these tiny, individual cells.
Hooke’s discovery of the cell was revolutionary and it changed the way people thought about life and the structure of living things. His discovery provided a foundation for the cell theory that is still used in biology today.
Structure of Animal Cell
Animal cells are unique in that they contain organelles, or special structures within the cell. Common organelles in animal cells are the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and peroxisomes.
The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing the DNA and the genetic material of the cell.
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membrane-bound tubes and sacs that functions in the synthesis, processing and transport of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
The Golgi apparatus is a collection of flattened sacs and associated vesicles that sort, modify, and package proteins and lipids, as well as secreting some substances from the cell.
Lysosomes are organelles filled with enzymes that break down large molecules and are involved in the digestion of macromolecules and the destruction of worn-out organelles.
Mitochondria are organelles responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP.
Finally, peroxisomes are organelles that contain enzymes that break down molecules such as fatty acids, amino acids, and hydrogen peroxide.
Main Components of Animal Cells
1• Cell membrane
The cell membrane is a thin and flexible barrier that surrounds the cells of all living organisms. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing certain molecules and ions to enter and exit the cell while keeping out others.
The primary components of the cell membrane are lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The lipids form a double layer called a lipid bilayer, which provides a barrier to the movement of molecules and ions. The proteins embedded in the membrane are involved in a variety of functions, including transport of molecules, signal transduction, and cell-to-cell recognition. The carbohydrates are mainly involved in cell recognition and adhesion.
2• Ribosomes
Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They are made up of two major subunits, the small and large subunits, which are composed of ribosomal RNAs and proteins. Ribosomes bind to a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule and translate the genetic code from the mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids, known as a polypeptide, which forms the primary structure of a protein.
3• Nucleus
The nucleus of an animal cell is a large, membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell’s genetic material, including DNA molecules and various proteins. It is responsible for controlling the cell’s activities and for providing instructions for the cell to follow. The nucleus is also responsible for replicating and passing on genetic information to the next generation of cells. It is surrounded by a nuclear membrane and contains a nucleolus, which is a specialized structure that is involved in the production of ribosomes.
4• Mitochondria
Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell as they are responsible for producing the energy that cells need to survive and function. They are found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells and help to convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria have their own genetic material and can replicate independently of the cell, which makes them unique among cellular organelles.
5• Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of flattened sacs and tubes that is found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for the manufacture and transport of proteins and lipids throughout the cell. Endoplasmic reticulum can be either rough or smooth, depending on the presence or absence of ribosomes on its surface. Rough endoplasmic reticulum is the site of protein synthesis, while the smooth variety is involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism.
6• Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus is a key organelle in the eukaryotic cell, responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum.
The Golgi apparatus is composed of stacks of flattened membrane-bound sacs called cisternae. The sacs are connected to one another and to the endoplasmic reticulum, allowing molecules to move from one organelle to another. The Golgi apparatus is located near the nucleus and is responsible for the final modifications of proteins and lipids before they are sent out of the cell.
7• Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that constitutes most of the cell’s interior. It is composed of a variety of substances including proteins, organelles, lipids, carbohydrates, and other molecules. It also contains water, salts, and other electrolytes. The cytoplasm acts as a medium for the movement of molecules, organelles and other cellular structures, and it also plays an important role in cell signaling and metabolism.
8• Lysosomes
Lysosomes are small organelles filled with digestive enzymes that help to break down and recycle different materials within the cell. They are found in all eukaryotic cells and play an important role in the process of autophagy, where the cell breaks down and recycles its own components. Lysosomes can also be used to break down molecules from outside the cell, such as bacteria or viruses.
Types of Animal Cell
The three main types of animal cells are epithelial cells, connective tissue cells, and muscle cells.
Epithelial cells form the lining of the skin, the inner lining of organs, and the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels.
Connective tissue cells are responsible for binding different tissues together and providing structural support.
Muscle cells are specialized for contraction and movement.
Other types of animal cells include Schwann cells, which are neurons that wrap around nerve axons and form the myelin sheath; stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into any type of cell; and fat cells, which store energy and insulate the body.
Difference Between Animal and Plant Cell
One of the main differences between animal and plant cells is the presence of a cell wall. Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose that gives them structure and protection, while animal cells do not.
Plant cells also contain chloroplasts, which are organelles specialized for photosynthesis. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not contain chloroplasts.
Additionally, plant cells typically have larger vacuoles than animal cells, which allow them to store more water and other materials.
Lastly, plant cells contain plasmodesmata, which are tiny channels that allow the plant cells to communicate with each other. Animal cells do not contain plasmodesmata.
Specific Facts About Animal Cells
Animal cells vary in size, ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers.
They are generally characterized by the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus, although some do not have one.
Animal cells contain many organelles, including mitochondria, which generate energy for the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum, which modifies and packages proteins, and the Golgi apparatus, which further modifies and packages proteins for export.
Animal cells also contain other organelles, such as lysosomes, which are responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular components, and peroxisomes, which break down toxins.
Additionally, animal cells typically contain cilia and flagella, which are used for movement and sensation.
How does an animal cell differentiate?
What are the major organelles of an animal cell?
Additionally, animal cells have a cytoskeleton, which provides structural support and helps the cell move, and the cell membrane, which separates the cell from its environment.
How do organelles interact with each other in an animal cell?
The mitochondria produce energy for the cell, while the lysosomes break down macromolecules and waste products.
The nucleus controls the activities of the cell and communicates with the other organelles.
The cytoskeleton is responsible for maintaining the shape and movement of the cell, and it interacts with the organelles to transport them to their proper locations.
Finally, the cell membrane acts as a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell, and it regulates the passage of materials in and out of the cell.
What is the role of the nucleus in an animal cell?
How do hormones affect an animal cell?
Hormones can also affect the expression of proteins and genes that regulate the cell’s activities. Hormones can also be used to regulate the production of particular molecules or proteins within a cell, which can result in a wide range of changes that can affect the body’s physiology.
For example, the hormone insulin can affect the metabolism of glucose in cells, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Other hormones can influence the development of organs and tissues, as well as the growth and development of cells, tissues, and organs.
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