1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. This is true for animal cells, as they are the fundamental building blocks of all animal tissues and organs.

2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms. Animal cells carry out all the essential life processes, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction, within their individual cellular compartments.

3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells. Animal cells reproduce through cell division (mitosis or meiosis), with each new cell inheriting genetic material from its parent cell.

Here's how the cell theory applies specifically to animal cells:

* Structure: Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a membrane-bound nucleus containing their genetic material (DNA). They also have other specialized organelles, such as mitochondria for energy production, ribosomes for protein synthesis, and a Golgi apparatus for processing and packaging proteins.

* Function: Each organelle within the animal cell plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell's overall function. For example, the cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, while the cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates movement.

* Origin: All animal cells are derived from a single fertilized egg cell, which undergoes repeated rounds of cell division and differentiation to create the various tissues and organs of the animal.

In summary, the cell theory is a fundamental principle in biology that explains the basic organization and functioning of all living organisms, including animal cells. Animal cells exemplify the principles of the cell theory by being the basic unit of life for animals, carrying out life functions, and originating from pre-existing cells.