Question

cell city analogy
imagine the cell is like a city. organelles in your cells each have a specific function that helps the cell survive. similarly, a city has different parts that work together to help it function properly.
read the descriptions of things in a city. then, use the word bank to write the organelle that has a similar function, and explain why.
word bank: golgi apparatus cell membrane lysosome mitochondria endoplasmic reticulum vacuole nucleus ribosome
example: highways allow things to be transported throughout a city.
a) what organelle does this resemble in a cell?
the highways are like the endoplasmic reticulum.
b) why?
the endoplasmic reticulum is made of tube - like passageways through which proteins and lipids are transported, just like how things are transported on highways.

1. the city hall is the center of the city, and it contains information that controls what goes on inside the city.

a. what organelle does the city hall resemble in the city?
b. why?

1. a water tower stores water for the whole city to use.

a. what organelle does a water tower resemble in the city?
b. why?

1. a garbage truck drives around the city and picks up trash to break it down.

a. what organelle does a garbage truck resemble in the city?
b. why?

Explanation:

1.
a. The nucleus is the control center of the cell, just as city hall is the center of the city and controls what goes on inside the city.
b. The nucleus contains DNA (genetic information) that directs all the cell's activities, similar to how city hall contains information that controls city - wide operations.
2.
a. The vacuole stores water (and other substances) for the cell, like a water tower stores water for the city.
b. Vacuoles in plant cells (and some animal cells) can store large amounts of water, which is essential for the cell's function, just as a water tower's stored water is essential for the city's use.
3.
a. Lysosomes break down waste materials in the cell, similar to how a garbage truck picks up and breaks down trash in the city.
b. Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that can break down various substances such as worn - out organelles, food particles, and foreign invaders, just as a garbage truck is involved in the breakdown of waste.

Answer:

1.
a. Nucleus
b. The nucleus contains DNA (genetic information) that directs all the cell's activities, similar to how city hall contains information that controls city - wide operations.
2.
a. Vacuole
b. Vacuoles in plant cells (and some animal cells) can store large amounts of water, which is essential for the cell's function, just as a water tower's stored water is essential for the city's use.
3.
a. Lysosome
b. Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that can break down various substances such as worn - out organelles, food particles, and foreign invaders, just as a garbage truck is involved in the breakdown of waste.