Download Example: The Cell as a Factory (Do Not use this

3D Biology Cell Analogy Project
Extra Credit (up to 12 points)
The last day the extra credit project can be turned in is ______________________________________
The past few weeks we have been reviewing and learning about cell structure and function. This extra
credit project will demonstrate your understanding of the following concepts as they relate to a
eukaryotic cell:
1. Cell structure including organelles (types, location, and functions) and cell membrane (structure).
This is all in section 7.2 of your textbook.
2. Cellular transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis). Section 7.3
You can choose the way that you demonstrate your knowledge. However, the project must have at least
50% of its features in 3D. If you have an idea that you are not sure about, check with me first.
Example: The Cell as a Factory
(Do Not use this example!)
All eukaryotic cells are composed of a plasma membrane, a nucleus, and cytoplasm. These structures
can be compared with a factory's departments.
1. The plasma membrane regulates what enters or leaves the cell. It is analogous to the
shipping and receiving department of a factory. The plasma membrane also functions as
the communications department because it is where the cell contacts the external
environment.
2. The nucleus (or the executive department) runs the cell factory and controls all cell
activity. It determines what proteins are to be made and stores all the plans for any
proteins that the cell currently makes or has made in the past.
3. The cytoplasm includes everything between the cell membrane and the nucleus. It
contains various kinds of cell structures and is the site of most cell activity. The cytoplasm
is similar to the factory floor where most of the products are assembled, finished, and
shipped.
The cell "factory" on this tour contains many interesting departments, all of which are directly or
indirectly powered by solar energy. Without energy from the Sun, no life could exist.
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3D Biology Cell Analogy Project
Extra Credit (up to 12 points)
When putting together your 3D model, be sure to include two terms for each analogous part. In the
factory analogy mentioned earlier, a Lego construction of a power plant would be analogous to the
mitochondrion in a cell (they both produce energy). You would show that association by writing the
terms “power plant” and “mitochondrion” on a label and placing it on the Lego power plant (see Figure
1). Another example is that a factory’s central office is analogous to the nucleus of a cell since they are
both control centers (see Figure 2). A third example is that of a forklift. Like a vesicle transports
substances around the cell, a forklift ferries supplies and products around the factory (see Figure 3).
Figure 2
Figure 1
Central Office
Figure 3
(Nucleus)
As mentioned, the factory example is off limits. However, there are many other 3D models that will make
great analogs to the cell. Below are a few examples that have been done in the past.
Aircraft carrier
Shopping center
Construction site
Hospital
Sports complex
Town or city
Airplane
Fire station
Supermarket
Army base
Cafeteria
Home
Zoo
Car
Tank
Phone
For full credit, 12 or more of the following structures or cell actions in your 3D project.
Cell membrane
Mitochondrion
Ribosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi Apparatus
Lysosomes
Cell wall
Chloroplast
Vacuole
Vesicle
Nucleus
Cytoskeleton
Diffusion
Osmosis
Facilitative diffusion
Active transport
Endocytosis
Exocytosis
Neatness and creativity are also considered as shown in the rubric below.
9 to 12 points
neatness effort
and creativity
12 or more structures
or actions; extremely
neat and creative;
obvious extensive
effort in production ;
>50% in 3D
6 to 8 points
3 to 5 points
0 to 2 points
9 to 12 structures or
actions; neat and
creative, some effort
obvious in production;
> 50% in 3D
5 to 8 structures or
actions; lacking in
creativity, neatness,
and/or extensive effort;
< 50% in 3D
Fewer than 5
structures or actions;
very simplistic, very
little effort, messy
work; no 3D
apparent
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