Animal Cells

Normal Uterine Cells National Cancer Institute

Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, which are cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus. Unlike in prokaryotic cells, where the genetic material is not separated from the rest of the cell, animal cells contain a nucleus that houses the cell's DNA.

In addition to the nucleus, animal cells also contain other membrane-bound organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing energy for animal cells. Some examples of organelles that are found in typical animal cells include:

• Endoplasmic Reticulum
  
• Golgi Complex
  
• Mitochondria
  
• Ribosomes

Another characteristic of animal cells is that most are diploid, meaning that they have a full complement of genetic material consisting of homologous chromosome pairs. In other words, diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (one chromosome donated from each parent). Not all animal cells however are diploid. Animal reproductive cells, also called gametes, are haploid cells. Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes.

More About Animal Cells:

• 10 Facts About Cells
  
• Cell Structure
  
• Cell Anatomy Quiz