Interactive model · Biology
Animal cell, in 3D
Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom. Explore the organelles of a eukaryotic animal cell and what each one does.
Fig. 01 · Animal cell · Drag to rotate
Reference
About this 3D animal cell model
This free, interactive model lets students and teachers explore a eukaryotic animal cell in three dimensions. Rotate and zoom to see how the organelles fit together, then use the guide to learn what each one does. Need a printable version instead? Generate a labeled animal cell diagram or compare it with a plant cell.
Organelles in this model
- Nucleus
- Stores the cell’s DNA and directs growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
- Mitochondria
- The cell’s powerhouse — turns nutrients into ATP, its usable energy.
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- A membrane network that folds, modifies, and routes proteins and lipids.
- Golgi apparatus
- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins into vesicles for delivery.
- Ribosomes
- Read messenger RNA and assemble amino acids into proteins.
- Lysosome
- Holds digestive enzymes that break down waste and worn-out parts.
- Centrosome
- Organizes the microtubules that separate chromosomes during division.
- Vesicle
- Small membrane sacs that transport materials around the cytoplasm.
FAQ
What is an animal cell?
An animal cell is the basic unit of life in animals: a eukaryotic cell enclosed by a flexible plasma membrane, with a membrane-bound nucleus that holds its DNA and specialized organelles (mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and more) suspended in the cytoplasm.
How is an animal cell different from a plant cell?
Animal cells lack the rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuole found in plant cells, so they take on rounder, more varied shapes. Both are eukaryotic and share organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus.
How do I use the 3D model?
Drag to rotate the cell, scroll to zoom, and press Reset view to recenter. The organelle guide beside the model lists each labeled part and its main job.