Cell to Car Analogy

Kory Gilbert

The cell membrane is a boundary that surrounds the

cell found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The function of the cell membrane is to allow substances in and out of the cell. The Doors of a car are similar to a cell membrane, because doors allow people in and out of a car.

Cell Membrane

Cytoplasm is a semifluid that takes up the empty space

inside of a cell found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Air inside of the car is like the Cytoplasm of a cell, because the air takes up the empty space inside of a car.

Cytoplasm

The nucleus is a cells managing structure found in plant

and animal cells. The nucleus directs the cells processes. The driver of a car is like the nucleus of a car, because the driver controls the car, and its functions.

Nucleus

The endoplasmic reticulum packages, and produces

proteins for export. The endoplasmic reticulum is found in all eukaryotic cells. Engine pipes in a car are like the endoplasmic reticulum, because they transport substances needed for the car.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Ribosomes are organelles that is the site of protein

synthesis. Proteins are used for support of other cell functions. Ribosomes are found in all cells. Fuel Pumps are like Ribosomes because they inject fuel into the system, where fuel is needed for the car to function.

Ribosomes

The Nucleolus is found within the nucleus and holds

DNA and is the site of ribosome production. The nucleolus is found in all eukaryotic cells. The gas tank in a car is like the nucleolus, because it holds the gas until it is needed.

Nucleolus

The mitochondrion is a membrane bound organelle that

makes energy available to the rest of the cell. The mitochondria is found in all eukaryotic cells. The engine in a car is like the mitochondria, because the engine converts gasoline into usable energy.

Mitochondria

The Golgi apparatus are flattened tubular membranes

that modifies proteins and packages them for distribution. The Golgi apparatus is found in all eukaryotic cells. The check valve is like the Golgi apparatus, because it moves substances to the right location.

Golgi Body

The vacuole is a membrane bound vesicle that serves

as temporary storage of materials. The vacuole is found in plant and animal cells. The trunk of a car is like the vacuole, because the trunk is the major storage unit of a car.

Vacuole