This deep dive covers Animal Cell Structure and Organelles within Cell Structure for GCSE Biology. Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, animal and plant cell organelles, bacterial cells, specialized cells, and microscopy It is section 2 of 17 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 17
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
🏗️ Animal Cell Structure and Organelles
Figure 1: Structure of a typical animal cell
Key Organelles and Their Functions:
🧬 Nucleus
- Controls all cell activities - the "control center"
- Contains chromosomes made of DNA
- Surrounded by nuclear membrane with pores
- Contains the nucleolus where ribosomes are made
🌊 Cytoplasm
- Jelly-like substance filling the cell
- Where many chemical reactions occur
- Contains dissolved nutrients and waste products
- Provides support and shape to the cell
🧱 Cell Membrane
- Controls what enters and leaves the cell
- Selectively permeable barrier
- Made of phospholipids and proteins
- Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell
⚡ Mitochondria
- The "powerhouses" of the cell
- Site of aerobic respiration
- Produce ATP (energy currency)
- Have their own DNA and ribosomes
🏭 Ribosomes
- Sites of protein synthesis
- Made of RNA and proteins
- Can be free in cytoplasm or attached to ER
- Translate mRNA into proteins
Quick Check: A muscle cell needs lots of energy. Which organelle would you expect it to contain many of, and why?
Mitochondria — they are the site of aerobic respiration, which transfers energy from glucose. Muscle cells need lots of energy for contraction, so they contain many mitochondria.