Interactive cross-section explorer with organelle inspection, zoom optics, and biochemical readouts.
Cell Theory: All organisms consist of one or more cells, the fundamental structural unit of life. Eukaryotic cells possess membrane-bound compartmentalized organelles.
Endosymbiotic Origin: Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotes, evidenced by circular mtDNA/cpDNA and 70S ribosomes.
Animal vs Plant Cells: Plant cells possess rigid cellulose cell walls ($1\text{--}10\text{ }\mu\text{m}$), chloroplasts for oxygenic photosynthesis, and a large central turgor vacuole; animal cells possess centrosomes and lysosomes.
Operating Instructions: Toggle cell type (Animal/Plant), click organelles in the canvas or selector list, and use zoom controls to inspect subcellular ultrastructure.
The primary eukaryotic repository of genomic DNA, directing protein transcription and cell cycle regulation.