Download A typical animal cell The diagram below shows the typical structure

A typical animal cell
The diagram below shows the typical structure of an animal cell as seen under a
light microscope.
Cheek cells as seen
under a light
microscope

The cell has a cell membrane which encloses the cell contents

The contents consist of a central ball shaped nucleus surrounded by
cytoplasm

This nucleus contains fibrous material called chromatin

This condenses during cell division to form chromosomes

Chromatin contains DNA, the inherited material which controls the
various activities inside the cell.

Scattered within the cytoplasm are small rod like structures known as
mitochondria. They have been described as the power-houses of the cell
because they supply energy.

Smaller dots within the cytoplasm are particles of stored food.
The electron microscope
Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons instead of a beam of light.
Electron beams have a much smaller wavelength than light rays, so electron
microscopes
have
greater
resolving
powers
and
can
produce
higher
magnifications as a result.
The diagram below shows sizes of objects that can b viewed with the naked eye,
the light microscope, and the electron microscope.