The primary function of animal cells is to maintain life processes. Each organelle within the cell has a specific role. For example, the nucleus houses genetic material and controls cellular activities, the mitochondria produce energy through cellular respiration, and the endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins and lipids. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport. Lysosomes contain enzymes for digestion, and ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
