Animal Cells
Science: KS3, topic 1.1.13
Animal Cell
Sub-cellular structures are things found in a cell. An animal cell contains the following sub-cellular structures:
Cell membrane
- The cell membrane separates the interior (inside) of the cell from the environment outside.
- The cell membrane is selectively permeable (it can control substances moving in and out of the cell).
Nucleus
- The nucleus controls the cell.
- The nucleus contains chromosomes (which contain the cell's genetic material).
Ribosomes
- Ribosomes are responsible for synthesising (making) proteins.
Mitochondria
- Mitochondria are the organelles where aerobic respiration takes place, supplying energy to the cell.
- Aerobic respiration (process which uses sugar and oxygen to release energy) releases energy in the mitochondria.
Cytoplasm
- Cytoplasm is a jelly-like fluid that fills the cell.
- The cytoplasm is where most of the cell’s chemical reactions take place.
Common types of animal cells
- Skin Cells
- Muscle Cells
- Blood Cells
- Nerve Cells
- Fat Cells
Test yourself on Animal Cells
Which of the following is a type of animal cell?
Muscle cells need lots of energy to contract. Which organelle would you expect to find in large numbers in a muscle cell?