An animal cell is a very complicated system.

However, with some focus and studying, anyone can learn what the different parts of the animal cell do. Here are some of the more notable components of an animal cell, along with the function that they perform: Golgi Apparatus: This primary function of this cell structure is to process the proteins which are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Once the Golgi apparatus has processed the proteins, they can end up as integral membrane proteins in the plasma membrane, as a part of lyosomes or secreted by exocytosis. Endoplasmic Reticulum: As you learned when you read about the Golgi apparatus above, one of the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum is to synthesize proteins. However, this is not the only function of this cell structure. The endoplasmic reticulum is also responsible for manufacturing most of the membranes of the cell, as well as lipids. Additionally, as you may have noticed in the diagram above, there are actually two types of endoplasmic reticulum. The main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum is protein synthesis (the ribosomes on the surface of this type of endoplasmic reticulum are why it is called rough), while the main function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (which does not have ribosomes on its surface) is to synthesize lipids.

Plasma Membrane: Like other cells, animal cells have a plasma membrane. This cell structure serves as the interface between the machinery in the interior of the cell and the extracellular fluid that bathes the animal cell.

On Animal Cells
Filed under: Animal Cells - 08 Feb 2012 | Spread the word !

Cells are the smallest particles that or body is made of. Imagine cells as small, but very essential enterprise, with very important roles for our body functions. Without cells, we could not survive and not even exist. At the cell level, thousands of chemical reactions take place each day, each second. In each small part of skin or organ, cells are working day by day, are regenerating and there are also many types. There are many types of cells, but the most general classification is animal cells and plant cells. There are differences between animal cells and plant ones. This happens because we are very different from plant, with much more complex chemical and biological activities. One of the most important feature of animal cells is that they do not contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gives plant the green color. Animal cells are a complex system that includes components such as reticulum, nucleus, mitochondria, lysosome, Golgi Apparatus, ribosomes, plasma membrane, endoplastic reticulum. Each of them has complex functions, without which our body cannot work properly.
Animal Cells: Structures and Organelles The following are examples of structures and organelles that can be found in typical animal cells:

Centrioles - organize the assembly of microtubules during cell division.

Cytoplasm - gel-like substance within the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum - extensive network of membranes composed of both regions with ribosomes (rough ER) and regions without ribosomes (smooth ER).

Golgi Complex - responsible for manufacturing, storing and shipping certain cellular products.

Lysosomes - sacs of enzymes that digest cellular macromolecules such as nucleic acids.

Microtubules - hollow rods that function primarily to help support and shape the cell.

Mitochondria - power producers and the sites of cellular respiration.

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Nucleus - membrane bound structure that contains the cell's hereditary information. Nucleolus - structure within the nucleus that helps in the synthesis of ribosomes.

Nucleopore - tiny hole within the nuclear membrane that allows nucleic acids and proteins to move into and out of the nucleus. Ribosomes - consisting of RNA and proteins, ribosomes are responsible for protein assembly.