ANIMAL CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Animal cells are the fundamental units of structure and function in living organisms belonging to the Animalia kingdom. These cells are the building blocks that make up the tissues, organs, and systems of animals. They are eukaryotic cells, which means they have a true nucleus containing their genetic material, as well as other membrane-bound organelles.
Animal cells are characterized by their diverse shapes and sizes, which are determined by their specific functions within the organism. These cells contain a plasma membrane that acts as a barrier and enables the cell to maintain its internal environment, while also allowing selective exchange of substances with the surrounding environment.
Like other eukaryotic cells, animal cells have a prominent nucleus containing the genetic material (DNA) that carries the instructions for cellular processes and inheritance. Within the cytoplasm, animal cells also contain various organelles such as mitochondria, responsible for energy production; endoplasmic reticulum, involved in protein synthesis; Golgi apparatus, responsible for modification and packaging of cellular products; lysosomes, involved in intracellular digestion; and the cytoskeleton, providing structure and support to the cells.
Animal cells are capable of performing various vital functions necessary for the survival of the organism, including respiration, digestion, excretion, and reproduction. They are also involved in cellular communication and coordination, allowing for complex physiological processes essential for an animal's growth, development, and homeostasis.
Overall, animal cells are diverse and versatile entities, capable of adapting and carrying out specialized functions within the larger organism they collectively form.
Etymology of ANIMAL CELLS
The word "animal" is derived from the Latin word "animalis", which means "having breath or soul". The term "animal cells" refers to the cells that make up the tissues and organs of animals. The word "cell" in this context comes from the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "small compartment". The term was first coined by Robert Hooke, an English scientist, in the 17th century while observing the structures he saw in slices of cork under a microscope. Over time, "cell" came to be recognized as the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, including animals.
