animalcell

Animal cells are eukaryotic cells that form the bodies of animals. They are enclosed by a plasma membrane and lack a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts. Their interior is divided into functional compartments by membranes, supporting complex metabolism and specialization.

The nucleus houses the cell’s genetic material and is enclosed by a double membrane. The nucleolus supports ribosome production. In the cytoplasm, mitochondria generate ATP, providing energy. The endoplasmic reticulum comes in two forms: rough ER, studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis, and smooth ER, which manufactures lipids and participates in detoxification. The Golgi apparatus processes, modifies, and sorts proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Lysosomes digest cellular waste, while peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify reactive molecules. Ribosomes, free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER, carry out protein synthesis.

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with cholesterol and proteins that regulate transport and signal reception. The cytoskeleton—composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules—maintains shape, enables movement, and organizes internal transport. Some animal cells possess cilia or flagella that aid movement or environmental sensing.

Animal cells differentiate into many specialized types, such as neurons, muscle cells, and immune cells. In mammals, mature red blood cells lack a nucleus and most organelles. Cells replicate by mitosis, followed by cytokinesis, producing two genetically identical daughter cells, and thus supporting growth and tissue maintenance.