Animal Cell Functions

The rough endoplasmic reticulum plays a number of roles within the cell, largely
associated with protein synthesis. Polypeptides are synthesized, modified, folded into their
correct 3-D shape and sorted towards an organelle or marked for secretion. It also plays an
important role in modulating the response of cell to stress and in quality control for correct
protein folding. When the number of unfolded proteins increases, cells alter their tubules: sheets
ratio. This could arise from the greater area available within the sheets of the rough ER to
rescue unfolded protein, or could reflect the need for the distinct proteome of the rough ER.

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), series of connected flattened sacs, part of a

continuous membrane organelle within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, that plays a central
role in the synthesis of proteins.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) functions in many metabolic processes. It

synthesizes lipids, phospholipids as in plasma membranes, and steroids. Cells that secrete
these products, such as cells of the testes, ovaries, and skin oil glands, have an excess
of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum also carries out the
metabolism of carbohydrates and steroids. In muscle cells, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
regulates calcium ion storage. 

The cytoplasm acts as a buffer and protects the genetic material of the cell and also the
cellular organelles from damage caused due to movement and collision with other cells. Cellular
respiration begins in the cytoplasm with glycolysis.

The plasma membrane, or the cell membrane, provides protection for a cell. It also
provides a fixed environment inside the cell. And that membrane has several different functions.
One is to transport nutrients into the cell and also to transport toxic substances out of the cell.

The mitochondrion, membrane-bound organelle found in the cytoplasm of almost all

eukaryotic cells (cells with clearly defined nuclei). The primary function of which is to generate
large quantities of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). 

The centrioles are paired barrel-shaped organelles located in the cytoplasm of animal

cells near the nuclear envelope. Centrioles play a role in organizing microtubules that serve as
the cell's skeletal system. They help determine the locations of the nucleus and other organelles
within the cell.

The vacuoles are storage bubbles found in cells. They are found in both animal and
plant cells but are much larger in plant cells. Vacuoles might store food or any variety
of nutrients a cell might need to survive. They can even store waste products so the rest of the
cell is protected from contamination.

A lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes.

Lysosomes are involved with various cell processes. They break down excess or worn-out cell
parts. They may be used to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
 A nuclear membrane is a double membrane that encloses the cell nucleus. It serves to
separate the chromosomes from the rest of the cell. The nuclear membrane includes an array of
small holes or pores that permit the passage of certain materials, such as nucleic acids and
proteins, between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

The nucleolus is a membrane-less organelle within the nucleus that

manufactures ribosomes, the cell's protein-producing structures. Through the microscope, the
nucleolus looks like a large dark spot within the nucleus.

The chromatin is the material that makes up a chromosome that consists of DNA
and protein. The major proteins in chromatin are proteins called histones. They act as
packaging elements for the DNA. The reason that chromatin is important is that it's a pretty
good packing trick to get the entire DNA inside a cell.

The nuclear pore is a protein-lined channel in the nuclear envelope that regulates
the transportation of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In eukaryotic cells, the
nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm and surrounded by a nuclear envelope. This envelope
safeguards the DNA contained in the nucleus.

The main function of the cell nucleus is to control gene expression and mediate the
replication of DNA during the cell cycle. The nucleus is an organelle found in eukaryotic cells.
Inside its fully enclosed nuclear membrane, it contains the majority of the cell's genetic material.

The ribosomes are minute particles consisting of RNA and associated proteins that
function to synthesize proteins. Proteins are needed for many cellular functions such as
repairing damage or directing chemical processes. Ribosome can be found floating within the
cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

The golgi apparatus is responsible for transporting, modifying, and

packaging proteins and lipids into vesicles for delivery to targeted destinations. As the
secretory proteins move through the Golgi apparatus, a number of chemical modifications may
transpire.

The microfilaments assist with cell movement and are made of a protein called actin.
Actin works with another protein called myosin to produce muscle movements, cell division, and
cytoplasmic streaming. Microfilaments keep organelles in place within the cell.

The microtubules are fibrous, hollow rods that function primarily to help support and
shape the cell. They also function as routes along which organelles can move throughout the
cytoplasm. Microtubules are typically found in all eukaryotic cells and are a component of the
cytoskeleton, as well as cilia and flagella.