A Cell is Like A Factory

A Plant Cell is Like A Factory

Cytoskeleton

Cytoskeleton is a network of fibers in a cell extending throughout the cytoplasm. The concrete foundation of the factory is its cytoskeleton because it plays a major role in organizing the factory's structure.

Intermediate filaments are a component of the cytoskeleton intermediate in size. In a factory, these filaments would be the support beams.

Actin are thin and flexible threads that makeup the smallest cytoskeleton filaments within the cell. In a muscle cell, actin filaments help the muscle contract. In a factory, actin resembles the wheels that make the belt turn.

Microfilaments are partners of the microtubles that make up the cytoskeleton. They are long, thin and stringy proteins. Also taking on the role of the motor, turning the belts on the assembly line within the factory, along with microtubules.

Microtubules are the thickest of hollow rods making up part of the cystoskeleton in all euakaryotic cells. In a factory, microtubules would be the belts on the assembly line, helping things move.

Cytoplasmic streaming speeds the distribution of materials in a cell. In a factory, cytoplasmic streaming is that one guy who works really fast.

Pseudopodia is part of the cytoskeleton that lets prey enter the cell. This action allows the cell to recieve its necessary energy to survive. Pseudopodia is similar to the factory loading area where they recieve materials needed to produce a product.

Myosin is a protein that converts chemical energy (ATP) in the form of mechanical energy, which then converts into force and cell movement. In a factory, myosin symbolizes starter fluid for machines.

Smooth ER

The smooth ER is part of the factory's assembly line that is free of workers (ribosomes). The smooth ER functions in metabolic processes and is involved in detoxification of poisons within the cell. In a factory it might be a line of machines that cleans the product.

Nucleus

The nucleus is like a factory's main office. It carries all the information needed for the factory (cell) to function.

Rough ER

The rough ER is the part of the factory's assembly line studded with workers (ribosomes). The rough ER makes glycoproteins, phospholipids, and is a membrane factory for the cell.

Nuclear Envelope

Chromosomes

The nuclear envelope represents the walls of the main office, separating the office from the rest of the factory (cell).

Chromosomes represent the main computer system of the factory. They carry all the information the factory needs to function. They carry a cell's genetic information.

Chromatin

Nucleolus

Chromatin is the information making up the main computer system of the factory. In a cell, chromatin is a complex of proteins and DNA making up the chromosomes.

The nucleolus is the center of the nucleus. In a factory, the nucleolus is the person who uses the main computer system, carrying the information (DNA, rRNA), to run the factory.

Ribosomes

Golgi Apparatus

The Ribosomes make the proteins that carry out other necessary functions within the cell. By translating the cell's genetic code the ribosomes produce an ordered sequence of amino acids (proteins).

Chloroplasts

Ribosomes are like workers on an assembly line. They work, producing proteins, things the factory needs to function.

In a factory, the Golgi apparatus can be thought of as the center of manufacturing, warehousing, sorting, and shipping. Protiens sent here from the ER are modified, stored, and shipped to other places within the factory (cell).

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis in a cell, and in a factory would be solar panels used to convert energy from the sun to energy the factory can use to function.

Vacuoles

Thylakoids

Thylakoids contain molecular machinery used to convert light energy to chemical energy in a cell. Thylakoids in a factory would be the conversion mechanisms in the solar panels.

Stroma

Stroma is a fluid surrounding the thylakoid membrane, involved in synthesis of organic molecules from carbon dioxide to water. In a factory, stroma is the fluid in the solar panels that keep them working well.

Mitochondria

The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. In a factory, mitochondria would represent the factory's power plant.

Vacuoles have various functions within different cells. Although, every cell has vacuoles that are membrane-bounded (completely surrounded by a membrane). In a factory (plant cell), the central vacuole would be the factory's cleaning and maintenence crew.

Mitochondrial matrix and Cristae

The mitochondrial matrix contains enzymes and substrates for the acid cycle of a cell. In a factory the mitochondrial matrix would be the power plant's fuel tank containing the fuel it needs to function.

Cristae house the electron transport chains and molecules of the enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of ATP. In a factory, cristae would be the electrical housing of the power plant.

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes hold peroxide and give to other enzymes, releasing oxygen. In a factory the peroxisomes would be the toxic waste cleanup guy.

Cell Walls

Cell walls are the protective barriers for the factory (cell). They are similar to the fences around factories.

Endomembrane System

Primary Cell Wall

In plants, relatively thin and flexible layer first secreted by a young cell. Factory fences are often made of many posts, these would be the primary cell wall of the factory.

The endomembrane system synthesizes proteins and their transport into membranes or organelles or out of the cell. A factory's endomembrane system is its transportation and shipping department.

Middle lamella

The middle lamella is a thin layer of adhesive in between primary cell walls of plant cells. The middle lamella is the part of the fence holding the posts together.

Secondary Cell Wall

In plants, a strong and durable matrix often deposited in several laminated layers for cell protection and support. In a factory this would be the barbed wire atop some factory fences, adding extra protection.