Download Edible Cell Project

Edible Cell Project
DUE: _____________________________
Background: All cells have a cell membrane, which forms a barrier to separate the cell
from its environment. The cell membrane surrounds a gel-like fluid called cytoplasm,
which is the medium that holds all the organelles of the cell. The large nucleus of a cell
is similar to your brain because it functions as the cell’s control center. The nucleus
contains genetic material that is used as instructions for directing cell functions. The
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) surrounds the nucleus and helps to form and move proteins
throughout the cell. There are two types of ER – rough and smooth. Attached to the
rough ER are ribosomes, which produce proteins and can also be found floating
elsewhere in the cytoplasm. The smooth ER does not have ribosomes attached. The
golgi body receives materials from the ER and packages them for transport to other
parts of the cell. The “powerhouses” of the cell are the mitochondria, which convert
food energy to usable energy. Water, food, and other materials are stored in vacuoles.
Plant cells have one large vacuole, while animal cells have many vacuoles. Lysosomes are
the clean-up crew of the cell- they contain chemicals that break down old cell parts so
they can be used again. Lysosomes are found primarily in animal cells. Plant cells,
however, also contain chloroplasts – which convert sunlight into food energy. Plant
cells also have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane, which offers extra support
for the cell. Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts or a cell wall.
You may choose whether you wish to construct:

an ANIMAL CELL

OR a PLANT CELL
See next page for all requirements and instructions:
Edible Cell Project
Graded Requirements:
The model and all cell structures must be edible.
Non-edible materials may be used to support the cell, but may not be used
as a representation of any cell structures.
The cell and all organelles must be three-dimensional.
Size of the project and its base must not exceed 14 inches on any side.
All organelles must be labeled (using either a coded key or actual labels
for each)
Your name must be on the project
Label the project as either a plant or an animal cell
Be sure to include the appropriate organelles (see lists below)
Please use materials that will not spoil (no meats or dairy products)
Be prepared to present your project to the class (approx. 2 minutes)
SUGGESTION: If you decide to use jello or pudding, keep in mind that
candies may dissolve after a period of time. You may want to wait until the
morning to place these parts in the cell.
If the model is an ANIMAL CELL
it must contain the following
organelles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
cell membrane
nucleus
vacuoles
mitochondria
endoplasmic reticulum
ribosome
cytoplasm
lysosomes
golgi body
If the model is a PLANT CELL it
must contain the following
organelles:
1. cell wall
2. cell membrane
3. nucleus
4. vacuole
5. mitochondria
6. endoplasmic reticulum
7. ribosomes
8. cytoplasm
9. chloroplasts
10. golgi body