what to animal cells need to survive and/or how does it work?

Answer 1

There are many factors. I will list a few for starters.
1) an energy source and suitable nutrients
2) a waste removal system
3) suitable pH
4) suitable osmolarity
5) suitable oxygen levels (ie aerobic or anaerobic)
6) no toxic available to kill the cell
7) suitable temperature
8) suitable pressure
9) suitable lighting (sometimes important)

But most importantly, a suitable medium.

Answer 2

Animal cells need food to survive...all cells need food, actually. When we talk about food on the molecular level it's usually in the form of sugars for energy and amino acids for construction of proteins that allow the body and/or cell to function. There are several other factors as well.

Answer 3

A source of reduced carbon to create ATP