Explore

Cells are able to carry out life processes because of their organelles. Some organelles are common to both plant and animal cells, while other organelles are specific to either a plant or an animal cell. You will learn about the parts of both plant and animal cells in this activity.

HUMAN CHEEK CELLS 400X Squamous Epithelium Smear from human mouth., . [Photography]. Retrieved from Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest.HUMAN CHEEK CELLS 400X Squamous Epithelium Smear from human mouth., . [Photography]. Retrieved from Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest.
https://quest.eb.com/search/157_2916951/1/157_2916951/cite

This is a magnified animal cell.

The diagram below shows the similarities between plant and animal cells.

Created using BioRender.com

The cell membrane determines what enters or exits the cell. It acts like a car door that lets passengers in and out.

The cytoplasm holds all the organelles in place, much like the frame of a car holds the roof in place. It is a jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus.

The nucleus controls all of the activity in the cell. It is the "brain" of the cell. It acts much like a driver of a car who determines where and when the car moves.

The mitochondrion supplies the power and energy for the cell to function, much like an engine in a car does.

The vacuole is the storage shed for the cell. It acts like the trunk of a car where you store your spare tire and other things.

Digging Deeper

Try This!

Click here to go to the Study Jams! website to watch a video that further explains what makes up animal cells.

When you have finished watching the video, click on the "close" button in the upper right-hand corner to exit the video. Then, click on the "Test Yourself" button to see how much you know about what makes up animal cells.