q: compare the parts of a cell and the cell as a whole to another common nonliving system (i.e., a car, a city,
a:
comparing this to the inside of a food building/company.
plasma membrane - building's walls
all cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, which protects the cell from its environment, keeping toxic substances out of the cell. it regulates which molecules are allowed to enter and exit the cell.
nucleus - the big boss
regulates all cell activity such as cellular metabolism, and growth in addition to storing and maintaining the cell's dna for transcription and replication. determines what proteins to make.
cytoplasm - working areas
contains the organelles; site of most cell activity
endoplasmic reticulum - engineer's work area
the place where ribosomes do their working activity.
ribosomes - engineers
builds the proteins.
golgi apparatus - pickup truck drivers
prepares proteins for use or export.
lysosomes - investigators
responsible for breaking down and absorbing materials taken in by the cell.
cytoskeleton - renovators
maintains cell shape.
mitochondria/chloroplasts - materials scientist
transforms one form of energy into another.