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 every day 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.
Your Task
You will come up with an analogy for the cell of your choice and its organelles. Your analogy will be
represented in the form of a poster that represents a cell and its organelles. You should compare roles
of 12 organelles to a part of the analogy.
Example: the Cell City
• The nucleus of a cell is the main control center of the cell. It holds all of the
information needed for the cell to function properly. Therefore, it is like city hall
because this is where the information, policy and governing is done to run the city.
• The mitochondria of a cell are where energy (ATP) is created through the
breakdown of glucose (fuel) in a process known as cellular respiration. In a city,
the power plant would be similar to a mitochondria because this is where
electricity (energy) is made from fuel (coal) in a process known as combustion.
The Poster
There are 2 parts of the poster:
• Part 1 – The analogy poster. See the instruction below.
• Part 2 - Structure and function table on the back of the poster that indicates a
relationship between the organelle and its function within the cell. In other words,
what is its role and what can it be compared to in a living cell? Also, indicate how
you know whether the cell is plant or animal.
Grading
Your poster will be evaluated according to the rubric. The full points will only be given if that
specific section is exceptionally good!
Use these categories below before you finalize your poster to make sure you have met all of the
requirements! Ask yourself:
1. Accuracy and Clarity of Analogy: Does the analogy make sense? Are all of the organelles
included? Are the descriptions of each analogy clear and complete? Are the descriptions of each
analogy easily understood?
2. Accuracy of Organelle Description: Does the table on the back of the poster include all required
organelles? Are the functions of each organelle correct? Do you state how you can tell if your cell is
a plant or animal?
3. Creativity: Is your analogy creative? For a project with average creativity, you will receive an
average score. If you choose to do “A Cell City” you will receive 0 points for this section, as I
already gave you that idea.
4. Completion & Organization: Does your project include all of the necessary parts? Is it organized?
Does it show a high amount of effort? Is it neat?
Instructions for poster
1. Draw a plant or an animal cell. It should be no smaller than 15 cm by 20 cm. Color it and
label the parts. Include the 12 organelles listed below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
plasma membrane
nucleus
lysosome
ribosome
rough endoplasmic
reticulum
f. smooth endoplasmic
reticulum
g. Golgi apparatus
h. mitochondria
i. chloroplast
j. vacuole
k. nucleolus
l. cell wall (if
applicable)
m. cytoplasm
n. cilia and/or flagella
(if applicable)
2. Correctly identify your cell as an animal cell, plant cell, or something more specific and label
the poster with this identification.
3. Find out the function each structure has in the cell using your book or the internet and
complete the attached chart. This chart should be pasted to the back of your poster.
4. Find a magazine picture, clip art, or drawing of an everyday object which has a similar
function as each cell part. Write an analogy to show the similarity between the cell part and
the object pictured. See examples above.
5. Arrange your cell diagram, the labels of each part, and the pictures with analogies on the
poster board. Make an arrow from the picture/analogy to the correct structure in your cell
drawing.
6. Use MLA heading to identify your poster. This heading should be placed on the front of the
poster in the upper left corner.