Download Cell Analogy Project

Name: ________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Period: ______
Cell Analogy Project
Pre-AP Biology, Ms. Ottolini, 2012-2013
Introduction:
Cells need to carry on the same basic functions as we do to sustain life; the difference is cells do this with much smaller parts. These
smaller structures that allow the cell to function are called organelles – “tiny organs.” Also, plant and animal cells have some similar
parts and some parts that are not similar.
It’s only common sense that if you are able to relate things you learned in class to everyday things, you’ll remember it better. It’s not
everyday that you and your friends sit around at Starbucks discussing the rough endoplasmic reticulum. However, you probably do
discuss things like cars, your homes, places to visit, etc… Therefore, your task in this assignment is to relate the different cell
organelles to an everyday situation or thing using an analogy.
Here are some example analogies: amusement park, school, library, farm, city
Please choose an analogy and ONE type of cell (plant or animal), and check off each organelle as you add it to your project. A sample
analogy for a cell is given below. (You may NOT use a factory as your analogy, since this is given as an example)
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
Mitochondrion
cell membrane
ribosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum
Chromoplast
lysosome
Mitochondrion
cell membrane
ribosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum
cytoskeleton
Sample: The Cell as a Factory
Factory Part
Central Office
Assembly Line
Packaging & Shipping
Conveyer Belt
Generator
Storage area
Collection center
Door
Bricks and Steel
Trucks/ 18 Wheelers
Function
Manages activities, initiates production, controls activities of factory
Assembles raw materials to manufacture items
Packs products for distribution
Moves product within the factory
Produces energy for the factory
Stores materials for later use
Breaks down and recycles used parts
Allows for things to enter and leave the factory
Construction materials that keep the factory from collapsing
Move the factory when it needs to relocate
Organelle
Nucleus
Ribosome
Golgi Bodies
Endoplasmic reticulum
Mitochondrion
Vacuole
Lysosome
Cell membrane
cytoskeleton
centrioles
Requirements
1.
2.
3.
You must fill in the organelle chart which compares the organelles with the analogies you have chosen. You
must be thorough and accurate in your descriptions of organelle functions and your explanation of your reasons
for selecting the analogies.
You must create an analogy drawing with each “analogy part” in the location it would be found in a cell. You
should put the name of the analogy part (ex: conveyor belt) next to the appropriate picture.
You must create a cell drawing that mirrors your analogy drawing. You should put the name of each cell part
(ex: endoplasmic reticulum) next to the appropriate picture.
***See sample analogy and cell drawings for a castle below***
Rubric
Project Component
Organelle Chart
Analogy Drawing
Cell Drawing
Criteria
The functions of all 10 organelles
are described in detail
Points Possible
/20
The reasons for all 10 analogy
choices are logical and thoroughly
explained
All 10 analogy parts are included
(with labels) in the appropriate
location they would be found in a
cell
All 10 cell parts are included (with
labels) in the appropriate location
they would be found in a cell
/20
All 10 cell parts are depicted with
the appropriate level of detail (ex:
nuclear membrane, nucleolus,
and chromatin/chromosomes are
all shown within the nucleus)
/5
/5
/5
Organelle Chart
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Organelle Name
Function
City Building,
Structure, etc.
Reason for Building Choice
Analogy Drawing
Cell Drawing