1. Synthesis:
* Proteins: Animal cells synthesize proteins through a process called protein synthesis. This process involves:
* Transcription: DNA in the nucleus is transcribed into mRNA.
* Translation: mRNA travels to ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it is translated into proteins.
* Other molecules: Cells also synthesize other essential molecules like lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
2. Uptake:
* Nutrients: Animal cells obtain essential nutrients from their environment, typically through:
* Ingestion: This involves taking in food through the mouth and breaking it down in the digestive system.
* Absorption: The digested nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to individual cells.
* Essential building blocks: Cells also absorb essential building blocks like amino acids (for protein synthesis), fatty acids (for lipid synthesis), and nucleotides (for DNA and RNA synthesis).
In summary:
* Animal cells make some of their own molecules through synthesis.
* They obtain other essential molecules by taking them in from their environment.
Example:
A muscle cell needs proteins to repair itself after exercise. It can synthesize some of these proteins itself, but it also needs to take in amino acids from the food you eat.
