Structure of the animal cell

Cage - the smallest structure of all plant and animal life - the most mysterious phenomenon of nature. Even at its own level, the cell is extremely complex and contains many structures that perform certain functions. In the body, a set of certain cells forms tissues, tissues are organs, and those are organs' systems. The structure of the animal and plant cells is similar in many respects, but at the same time it has fundamental differences. For example, the chemical composition of cells is similar, the principles of structure and life activity are similar, but in plant cells there are no centrioles (except algae), and starch serves as a nutrient reserve base.

The structure of the animal cell is based on three main components: the nucleus, the cytoplasm, and the cell membrane. Together with the nucleus, the cytoplasm forms protoplasm. The cell membrane is a biological membrane (septum) that separates the cell from the external environment, serves as a cladding for cellular organelles and nuclei, forms cytoplasmic compartments. If you place the drug under a microscope, then the structure of the animal cell can easily be seen. The cell membrane contains three layers. The outer and inner layers are proteinaceous, and the intermediate layers are lipid. The lipid layer is further divided into two layers - a layer of hydrophobic molecules and a layer of hydrophilic molecules, which are arranged in a certain order. On the surface of the cell membrane is a special structure - glycocalyx, which ensures the selective capacity of the membrane. The shell passes the necessary substances and delays those that bring harm. The structure of the animal cell is aimed at providing a protective function already at this level. Penetration of substances through the membrane occurs with the direct participation of the cytoplasmic membrane. The surface of this membrane is quite significant due to bends, outgrowths, folds and villi. The cytoplasmic membrane transmits both minute particles and larger ones.

The structure of the animal cell is characterized by the presence of the cytoplasm, mostly consisting of water. The cytoplasm is a container for organoids and inclusions. In addition, the cytoplasm also contains the cytoskeleton - protein filaments, which participate in the process of cell division, delineate the intracellular space and support the cellular form, the ability to contract. An important component of the cytoplasm is the hyaloplasm, which determines the viscosity and elasticity of the cell structure. Depending on external and internal factors, the hyaloplasma can change its viscosity - become liquid or gel-like.

Studying the structure of the animal cell, one can not but pay attention to the cellular apparatus - the organoids that are in the cell. All organelles have their own specific structure, which is due to the functions performed. The nucleus is the central cell unit that contains hereditary information and participates in the metabolism in the cell itself. Cellular organoids include the endoplasmic reticulum, the cellular center, mitochondria, ribosomes, the Golgi complex, plastids, lysosomes, vacuoles. Similar organelles exist in any cell, but, depending on the function, the structure of the animal cell can be distinguished by the presence of specific structures.

Functions of cellular organelles:

- mitochondria oxidize organic compounds and accumulate chemical energy;

- endoplasmic reticulum due to the presence of special enzymes synthesizes fats and carbohydrates, its channels promote the transport of substances inside the cell;

- ribosomes synthesize protein;

- Golgi complex concentrates protein, compacts synthesized fats, polysaccharides, forms lysosomes and prepares substances for their removal from the cell or direct use inside it;

- Lysosomes break down carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and fats, in fact, digesting nutrients entering the cell;

- the cell center participates in the process of cell division;

- vacuoles, due to the content of cell sap, support the cell turgor (internal pressure).

The structure of the living cell is extremely difficult - at the cellular level, a lot of biochemical processes take place, which, in combination, ensure the vital activity of the organism.