Cell Structure / Organelle Analogy Project
This project is to be done on your own time and will be due Wed, Oct. 23 for “A” days and Thurs., Oct. 24 for “B” days.
Please keep in mind this grading period ends on Friday, November 1. Students will work individually, and the project will
consist of a labeled cell image/model with analogies relating the functions of specific cell organelles to familiar
items/systems from our everyday life. This will involve some independent learning on the part of the student.
Your Choice: You may choose either a plant or an animal cell for your project. All projects must have organelles
correctly identified, labeled and analogies explaining the organelle’s function.
(Example: The nucleus is like a ____________ because it …)
You will be provided with a piece of legal sized paper to complete your project. The drawing/representation of the cell
should take up at least 1/2 of the paper with organelle information (analogies & explanation) filling the remaining space.
Your drawing may either be a drawing of a cell, or it can be images to assist with the analogy comparisons.
All cell structures and their analogies must be detailed and clearly labeled. The end result should be well done and look
nice. Use your imagination. The main objective is to understand and connect the function of each of your organelles to
something we are familiar with. Creativity is always encouraged, but you must be able to explain how the analogy
works. Be able to justify any analogy you make!
The following organelles must be included in your project:
Animal cells must contain: 1.Nucleus, 2.Nuclear Membrane, 3.Endoplasmic Reticulum, 4.Golgi Apparatus,
5.Ribosomes, 6.Cell Membrane, 7.Mitochondrion, 8.Cytoplasm, 9.Centrioles, 10.DNA, 11.Lysosomes.
Plant cells must contain: 1.Nucleus, 2.Nuclear Membrane, 3.Endoplasmic Reticulum, 4.Golgi Apparatus, 5.Ribosomes,
6.Cell Membrane, 7.Mitochondrion, 8.Cytoplasm, 9.Vacuole, 10.Chloroplasts, 11.Cell Wall.
Additional organelles are present within both types of cells. If you wish to include organelles above and beyond the
required ones you are welcome to. If you are unclear about any of these expectations please contact me as soon as
possible. Please do not wait until the night before the project is due to ask for clarification. See below for rubric.
Animal Cell
Organelle
Plant Cell
ID (2pts)
Function
(3pts)
Analogy
(2 pts)
Organelle
Nucleus
Nucleus
Nuclear Membrane
Nuclear Membrane
ER Smooth/Rough
ER Smooth/Rough
Golgi
Golgi
Ribosomes
Ribosomes
Cell Membrane
Cell Membrane
Mitochondria
Mitochondria
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm
Centrioles
Vacuole
DNA
Chloroplast
Lysosomes
Cell Wall
Extras…
Extras…
Category Pts.
Category Pts.
ID (2pts)
Neatly Done (13 pts):__________
On Time (10 pts):______
Project Total:__________________
Function
(3pts)
Analogy
(2 pts)