Comparing a cell to Worthington “The Cell City” Comparing a cell to Worthington

Cell Membrane- “city limits” maintains the cell’s limits or boundaries. Controls what goes in and out of the cell. food and water move in, waste moves out.

Cell Wall Cell wall is like a “security fence” and also provides support like a brick wall would around an old time city. Only found around plant cells

Nucleus- “city hall” directs all the activities of the cell. Contains all the plans and blueprints in the form of DNA.

Cytoplasm- “the inner city” the fluid in the cell which contains all the organelles. Organelles are like the “businesses” of the cell Cytoplasm fills the space from the nucleus to the cell membrane

Mitochondria- “powerhouse” supplies energy to power all of the cell’s functions. Like the generators located near fairgrounds. Found in higher numbers in cells that need a lot of energy.

Chloroplast Organelle that uses energy from the sun to make food Like “Solar panels” collect energy to power houses or factories Found only in plant cells

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)- Like “highways and streets”, moves materials around the cell extending from the nucleus to the cell membrane.

Ribosome- Like “factories” makes proteins that are transported along the E.R. Located on the E.R. or floating in the Cytoplasm (JBS, Bedford, and Highland).

Golgi Bodies or Apparatus “packaging” does not make anything but prepare materials for shipment outside the cell Like the Freezer Warehouse in Worthington.

Vacuoles- “storage” holds materials until needed later. (grain elevator and water tower). Large vacuoles are found in plant cells to store water.

Lysosomes- “sanitations” they produce chemicals that digests wastes and worn-out cell parts. When the cell dies the lysosomes break open and break down the cell. Mostly found in animal cells

Cell City Comparison Plant Cell Animal Cell