The document describes an analogy that compares a cell to an office building. Specifically: 1) The nucleus is compared to the boss who controls what happens in the building. 2) Mitochondria are likened to the break room where workers restore energy. 3) The endoplasmic reticulum and golgi body are analogous to the mail room staff who package and transport materials.

1. 2.4 Cell Analogy
Many teachers use the example: “A Cell is like a factory….the nucleus is the boss, the
golgi packs and ships materials, the mitochondria provides the power/generator, etc.”
Your task is to come up with a NEW analogy.
A cell is like a……?
Be sure to include these cell organelles and justify your responses.
1. nucleus
2. mitochondria
3. endoplasmic reticulum
4. chloroplast
5. ribosome
6. golgi body
7. lysosome and vacuole
You have a choice as to what product you would like to submit for this
assignment. Choose one of the following:
• Describe your analogies and justify your responses.
• Create a powerpoint that shows your analogies and justifications.
• Draw a diagram of your analogies with a key to justify your responses.
A cell is like an office building,
The nucleus controls what goes on throughout the cell, the boss is like the nucleus
because he controls what goes on through the building and gives orders.

2. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, the break room is like the mitochondria
because this is where all of the workers restore energy with food and coffee.
The endoplasmic reticulum makes and packages proteins, along with storage. The
person that deals with the mail is like the endoplasmic reticulum because it packs and
mails thing off and sorts all of the mail that comes in.
The chloroplast converts the radiant energy of the sun into chemical energy through the
process of photosynthesis, each worker’s body is like the chloroplast because as they
take a break, eat, and then drink something, their bodies then proceed to give them
energy which increases productivity.
Ribosomes are found on the endoplasmic reticulum or free floating in the cytoplasm and
synthesize proteins, the computers are like the ribosomes because they synthesize
work that is directed by the boss and done by the workers.
The golgi body transports thing throughout the cell, a messenger in the office is
like the golgi body because she will transport messages throughout the office,
and various other things.
The lysosomes and vacuoles are both responsible for the digestion of the cell,
the trash cans are like the lysosomes and vacuoles because they accumulate
waste and then are brought out to the outside dumpster.