Cell Organelles

9/8/09

Lord of the Rings and the Cell

In order to help remember the parts of the cell we will try to compare the parts of the cell to the characters in the Lord of the Rings.

Cell Membrane

Can someone explain to me how the Cell Membrane works? And its form?

Cell Membrane = Helm’s Deep Semi permeable Phospholipid Bilayer Polar, hydrophilic head 2 Non-polar hydrophobic tails Protects the cell, allows for internal structure

Cell Membrane = Helm’s Deep

Cell membrane protects the inside of the cell Helm’s Deep protects the people of Rohan Cell membrane has two layers Helm’s Deep has two main walls

Nucleolus = The Ring

A mass of RNA, DNA, and Proteins to eventually form ribosomes.

Aids in Cell Division

Nucleolus = The Ring

Nucleolus is the center of the nucleus and the cell.

The Ring is focus and center of the Lord of the Ring and the key to Mordors power.

Nucleolus aids in Cell Division

The Ring divides and separates all good people.

Nucleus = Frodo Baggins

Holds the genetic information Chromosomes Genes

Center of the cell The Nucleolus is within.

Nucleus = Frodo Baggins

Nucleus holds genetic information

Frodo holds the key to everything (ring)

Nucleus is the center of the cell and holds the Nucleolus

Frodo is the main character and holds the burden of carrying the ring

Nuclear Membrane = The Fellowship

Porous, similar to cell membrane Separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm Regulates passage of molecules to the

Nucleus

Nuclear Membrane = The Fellowship

Nuclear Membrane protects and regulates passage of molecules to the Nucleus

The Fellowship protects Frodo from evil

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) = Gollum

Ribomsomes are attached to it, which makes it look rough

Moves proteins throughout the cell

Rough ER = Gollum

Rough ER looks “Rough” because ribosomes are attached

Gollum looks “Rough” (UGLY)

Rough ER moves proteins throughout the Cell

Gollum helps transport Frodo and Sam to Mordor

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum = Samwise Gamgee

Lacks attached Ribosomes Makes lipids Breaks down toxic substances

Smooth ER = Samwise Gamgee

Smooth ER looks smooth due to lack of ribosomes

Samwise looks better than Gollum

Smooth ER makes lipids Samwise makes Frodo food Smooth ER breaks down

toxic substances Samwise tries to kill Gollum

and defend Frodo

Ribosome = Legolas and the Elves

Makes proteins Assemble and fix things that get broken

Ribosome = Legolas and the Elves

Ribosomes make proteins

The Elves make arrows Ribosomes fix things in

the cell that are broken The Elves try to help fix

Man’s mistake of trying to keep the ring.

Centriole = Gimli (Dwarf)

Shape of a short barrel Assemble proteins to pull Nucleus apart in

cell division

Centriole = Gimli (Dwarf)

Both the Centriole and Gimli have the shape of a short barrel

Centriole assembles proteins to pull Nucleus apart during cell division

Gimli and the dwarves make axes that split Orcs in half during a battle.

Mitochondria = Aragorn

Powerhouse of the Cell Creates Energy for the cell in the form of ATP

Mitochondria = Aragorn

Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and makes energy in the form of ATP

Aragorn is the best warrior with the sword and never tires in his fight to protect the ring

Golgi Complex = Rivendell

Packaging and Distribution center of the Cell Stores products made until used or released Polishes up product before it is released

Golgi Complex = Rivendell Golgi Complex is the packaging and distribution center of the cell Rivendell is the home of Elves Golgi Complex stores and polishes up products before they are

released Rivendell houses Frodo until his wounds are healed.

Cytoplasm = All the small roles

The insides of the cell Organelles are found in the cytoplasm Full of different compounds

Cytoplasm = All the small roles

Cytoplasm is inside the cell and organelles are found there.

All the small roles are the people who are not main characters but play a small role in the Lord of the Rings

Lysosome = Orcs

Destructors Digest and Breakdown (digestive enzymes)

proteins, lipids, carbs., nucleic acids

Lysosome = Orcs

Lysosome digest and breakdown used materials of the cell.

Orcs destroy and destruct anything that stands in their path.

Vacuole = Horses (Shadowfax)

Transport vehicles Storage of water and other materials for the

cell.

Vacuole = Horses (Shadowfax)

Vacuoles are transport vehicles and storage.

Shadowfax and the horses transport Gandalf and the humans in battle.

Chloroplasts (Plant) = Gandalf

Use light energy to make Carbs. from CO2 and H2O

Carbs. Become food and energy for the plant Plant appears green

Chloroplasts (Plant) = Gandalf

Chloroplasts use light energy to make food for the plant.

Gandalf is the energy and the magic of good. He represents the light as Gandalf the White.

Cell Wall (Plants) = Gate of Mordor

Thick wall of Carbs, Proteins, and Cellulose Support and maintain cells shape Connects cell with adjacent cells Doesn’t restrict substances from passing

through the cell membrane

Cell Wall (Plants) = Gate of Mordor

The Cell Wall is thick The Black gate of Mordor is a huge thick wall