Cell Analogy Project
Introduction
Cells need to carry out the same basic functions as we do to sustain life; the
difference is that 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
a computer generated form that represents a cell and its organelles. You should compare the roles of 10 organelles to
a part of the analogy.
What format do I use?
1. Animoto- www.animoto.com
a. Anyone can feel like a producer by creating free 30 second videos with text, pictures, and music. Media
center service learners have developed book trailers, and Susan Cooper’s study skills students have
created advertisements for selected careers. Free
2. Capzles - http://www.capzles.com/#
a. Capzles is a multimedia tool for creating timelines with images, descriptions, backgrounds and music
selections. Teachers may create a group log in for collaborative projects.
3. FacebookTemplates-WORD: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/facebook-template-wordTC10223919239159.aspx;
a. Ask students to create facebook profiles for chemical elements, Civil War
4. Blogger.com
a. create blogs for literary characters or historical figures. Create an actual blog for free at blogger.com or
just have students write and organize articles on white printer paper if the internet is not available.
5. Toondoo- www.toondoo.com
a. create comic strips or cartoon reels.
6. Use Publisher:
a. Create a newsletter, pamphlet, wanted posters, or magazine articles.
7. Go to this website to find another option:
http://seekoutlearning.blogspot.com/2014/02/8-free-websites-to-create-cool-student.html#.VehbLvmjN8F
8. Do you have any other ideas? Check with me for approval.
Please note: 10 points per day will be subtracted from your final project grade if it is late.
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
mitochondrion because this is where electricity (energy) is made from fuel (coal) in a process known
as combustion.
• Etc…
There are 2 parts:

Part 1 – The analogy. You should have a computer generated picture of your analogy (i.e. if
you were doing a cell city, you would have a picture of a city and each of the parts of your
analogy).
o You will also create short 3 sentence descriptions of each organelle analogy (like
shown above):
 Sentence 1: Identify the analogy
 Sentence 2: Describe the organelle’s function
 Sentence 3: Explain your analogy
• Part 2 – Complete the structure and function table at the end of this paper 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! For a small bonus, include a picture of each organelle (separately, or include a big
picture of a real plant/animal cell with its parts correctly labeled…)
Use these categories below before you finalize your project to make sure you have met all of the requirements!
Grading Categories
1. Accuracy and Clarity of Analogy (10 points). 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 of the required length? Make sure you include the following organelles:
a. plasma membrane
b. nucleus
c. lysosome
d. ribosome
e. endoplasmic reticulum
f. Golgi apparatus
g. mitochondria
h. chloroplast
i. vacuole
OPTIONAL:
k. nucleolus
l. cell wall
m. cytoplasm
n. cilia and/or flagella
2. Accuracy of Organelle Description (10 points). Does the table at the end 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 (5 points). 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 (5 points). Does your project include all of the necessary parts? Is it
organized? Does it show a high amount of effort?
Cellular Structures and Functions – Below, you will find 2 tables with the descriptions of structures and the functions. They are in no specific
order, so it is your job to match the descriptions with the organelles in Table 3, then match the functions with the descriptions.
Table 1 – Description of Structures
Table 2 – Organelle Functions
Contains DNA, the blueprints for making necessary proteins
Controls all of the cell functions
Organelles that contain digestive enzymes
Trap energy from sunlight in leaves; site of
photosynthesis
Round, non-membrane bound organelle, found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Digests excess or worn out organelles
Clear, gelatinous fluid inside the cell
Makes proteins according to the instructions given by
DNA
Phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell
Selects which molecules enter the cell
Membrane-bound spaces; sacs surrounded by a membrane
Produces and stores lipids
Series of highly folded membranes suspended in the cytoplasm. Attached to its
outside are ribosomes.
Sorts and packages proteins for transport out of the cell
Flattened system of tubular membranes
Makes ribosomes
Contained within the nucleus
Site of cellular respiration – to convert glucose into
usable energy
Firm structure in plans, located outside the plasma membrane, make of cellulose
Stores food, water and sometimes waste materials
Series of highly folded membranes suspended in the cytoplasm. Nothing attached
to its outside.
Provides a transport system between the nucleus and
cytoplasm
Small, cylindrical structures that contain microtubules
Suspends the cell’s organelles and is the site of many
biochemical reactions
Contain a highly folded inner membrane, an outer membrane and matrix
Facilitates cell division
Contain a plant cell’s thylakoids, stroma and grana, and chlorophyll.
Protects and gives the plant cells its shape
Table 3. Cellular Structure and Function
Cell Structure
Plasma Membrane
Nucleus
Nucleolus
Lysosome
Ribosome
Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Golgi Apparatus
Centriole
Mitochondria
Chloroplast
Vacuole
Cell Wall
Cytoplasm
Description of the cell structure
Function of Cell Structure