Animal Cell Model

Quick Answer: The animal cell model is an enlarged three-dimensional representation of a typical animal cell, usually cut open to show the nucleus and the organelles in the cytoplasm. Schools use an animal cell model to teach cell structure and to compare animal cells with plant cells.

Organelles and Their Jobs

A typical model of this kind presents a generalised cell rather than one from a particular tissue. The nucleus, with its double envelope, pores and nucleolus, sits in the cytoplasm surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, the stacked sacs of the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes and a pair of centrioles near the nucleus. A wedge is usually cut away so these can be seen inside the outer membrane.

Each organelle becomes a talking point. Ribosomes make proteins, the rough ER passes them on, the Golgi apparatus packages and dispatches them, mitochondria release energy in aerobic respiration and lysosomes break down worn-out parts. Following one protein from ribosome to cell surface is a simple way to show that organelles work as a system.

What students most need from the model is the contrast with plant cells: animal cells have no cell wall, no chloroplasts and no large permanent vacuole, but they do have centrioles. The animal and plant cell poster sets the two side by side. Size, colour scheme and whether any organelles lift out are not specified in the listing.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Keep the animal cell model on a flat bench or shelf; a domed model can roll if placed on its side.
• Wipe with a dry cloth, and if any organelles lift out, store them in their positions so none go missing.
• Avoid cleaning sprays, which can dissolve painted labels and colour coding.

Uses in Class

• Introducing cell organelles and their functions
• Comparing animal and plant cells ahead of microscope work with cheek cells and onion peel
• Tracing the path of a secreted protein through ribosome, ER, Golgi and membrane
• Revision and practical examinations where organelles are identified with a pointer

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools teaching cells for the first time usually want a cell model on the bench while students prepare cheek-cell slides. LabEquip keeps it with its biology lab products, alongside a Superior grade version for more detailed work. Ask for quantities through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an animal cell differ from a plant cell?

A plant cell is enclosed by a cellulose wall, contains chloroplasts and normally has one big central vacuole. An animal cell has none of these but does have centrioles and, often, several small vacuoles. Organelles found in both include the nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER and Golgi apparatus.

Why is the mitochondrion called the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria carry out the later stages of aerobic respiration, releasing energy from glucose and storing it as ATP, which the cell uses to power its activities. Cells that use a lot of energy, such as muscle cells, contain many mitochondria.

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and makes and transports proteins. Smooth ER has no ribosomes; it makes lipids, stores calcium in muscle cells and helps detoxify substances in liver cells.

What do lysosomes do?

Lysosomes are membrane sacs of digestive enzymes. They break down worn-out organelles, food particles taken into the cell and invading bacteria, and are sometimes called the cell’s recycling centres.

Which real cells can students compare with the model?

Cheek cells scraped from the inside of the mouth and stained with methylene blue show the nucleus, cytoplasm and membrane under a school microscope. The smaller organelles on the model are visible only with an electron microscope.

What are centrioles for?

Centrioles are a pair of short cylinders near the nucleus. During cell division they help organise the spindle fibres that separate the chromosomes. Most plant cells do not have them.

Last Updated: September 2026