Question

With a neat labeled diagram describe the structure of an animal cell.

Answer 1

Cell :

1. The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
2. All living organisms are made up of cells.

Animal cell :

Structure of an animal cell :

The animal cell consists of the following cell organelles :

1. Cell membrane :

• The cell membrane is semipermeable just inside the cell wall which concludes the protoplasm of the cell.
• The cell membrane protects the cell.
• It gives a definite shape to the cell.
• Regulate the transport of substances in and out of the cell.

2. Cytoplasm :

• The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that contains the cell organelles.
• The cytoplasm contains membrane-bound organelles and cell inclusions.
• It contains the essential element and nutrients required for the growth and development of the cell.

3. Nucleus :

• The nucleus is a dense body found in the cell which controls all the activities of the cells.
• The nucleus is made up of nuclear membrane, nucleoplasm, nucleolus, and chromosomes which contain genetic materials.

4. Mitochondria :

• Mitochondria is a double-layered cell organelle that is one of the energy-producing organelles in the cell.
• Mitochondria produces and stores energy in the form of ATP by cellular respiration.
• Mitochondria are called as “powerhouse of the cell”.

5. Golgi apparatus :

• Golgi apparatus is a membrane structure that is formed of interconnected stacks or flattened membranous sacs called cisternae.
• Other than cisternae this complex also bears the large vacuoles and clusters of small vesicles.
• Golgi apparatus helps in the manufacture of complex sugar from simple sugars.
• It also helps in the formation of lysosomes.

6. Endoplasmic reticulum :

• Endoplasmic reticulum has two types: rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
• Rough endoplasmic reticulum contains molecules of ribosomes on their surface so it looks like a rough surface.
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum plays a crucial role in detoxifying many toxins and drugs in cells.
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is the site for the synthesis of lipids or fats.

7. Ribosomes :

• Ribosomes are dense round bodies that occur in the cytoplasm and some remain attached to the surface of the Endoplasmic reticulum known as the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
• Ribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of protein molecules and enzymes.