Choose two structures or organelles of the cell (not used in part one above.) Describe these two or organelles – what do they look like, what are they composed of? Then explain how these plant or animal cell structures or organelles function. How do these functions support activities of the animal cell and enable survival of the multicellular animal organism?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "organelle" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organelle
http://www.usd.edu/~bgoodman/ReviewFrames.htm
http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science/sciber00/7th/cells/sciber/orgtable.htm
http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/cells.htm
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Two structures or organelles of the cell that are important for the activities and survival of multicellular animal organisms are the mitochondria and the cytoskeleton.
The mitochondria are double membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of both plant and animal cells. They are often referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell" because their main function is to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration. This process involves breaking down glucose and other nutrients to generate ATP molecules.
Mitochondria have a unique structure that enables them to carry out this function effectively. They have an outer membrane that encloses and protects the organelle and an inner membrane that is highly folded to form structures called cristae. These folds increase the surface area available for chemical reactions to take place, maximizing ATP production. Additionally, mitochondria contain their own DNA, ribosomes, and enzymes, allowing them to function semi-autonomously within the cell.
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that provide structural support and enable various cellular activities within animal cells. It is composed of three main types of filaments: microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
Microtubules are made up of a protein called tubulin and they form long, hollow tubes. They provide structural support, maintain cell shape, and serve as tracks for the movement of organelles and vesicles within the cell. Microtubules also play a crucial role during cell division, as they form the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes.
Microfilaments, on the other hand, are composed of the protein actin. They are thinner than microtubules and function in cell movement, such as muscle contraction, and in the formation of cellular extensions like pseudopodia and microvilli. Microfilaments also have a role in cell division, cell signaling, and maintaining cell shape.
Intermediate filaments are the toughest and most durable of the cytoskeletal components. They provide mechanical strength to cells and tissues, contributing to the overall stability and integrity of animal organisms. Additionally, intermediate filaments function as scaffolding for organizing the internal structure of the cell.
Overall, the mitochondria and cytoskeleton are both vital for the survival of multicellular animal organisms. The mitochondria supply the necessary energy for cellular processes, while the cytoskeleton provides structural support and enables various cellular activities such as movement, division, and maintaining cell shape. Without these structures and their functions, the cells and the organism as a whole would not be able to carry out essential processes required for survival.