Animal cells

Animals are made up of cells. These cells are eukaryotic. This means they have a nucleus and other structures which are surrounded by membranes.

Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are visible with a light microscope but can't be seen in detail. Ribosomes are only visible with an electron microscope. Preparing cheek cell slides to view using a light microscope is described in page 6 of this guide.

Cell structureHow it is related to its function. Cytoplasm A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen. Nucleus Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities. Cell membrane It is permeable…