What does the centriole do in an animal cell?

Either of a pair of cylinder-shaped bodies found in the centrosome of most eukaryotic organisms other than plants. During cell division (both mitosis and meiosis), the centrioles move apart to help form the spindle, which then distributes the chromosomes in the dividing cell. read more

Centrioles exist inside each animal-like cell, in pairs, and their job is to assist the cell at the time of division. Whether the cell goes through mitosis or meiosis, centrioles facilitate the process of division. read more

Centrioles are found in all animal cells and only a few species of lower plant cells. Two centrioles—a mother centriole and a daughter centriole—are found within the cell in a structure called a centrosome. Most centrioles are made up of nine sets of microtubule triplets, with the exception of some species. read more

You will not see well-defined centrioles when the cell is not dividing. You will see a condensed and darker area of the cytoplasm called the centrosome. When the time comes for cell division, the centrioles will appear and move to opposite ends of the nucleus. During division you will see four centrioles. One pair moves in each direction. Interphase is the time when the cell is at rest. read more