In this paper, the organelles of an animal cell will be related to the functions or structure of a house. The organelles to be examined are: the nucleus, nuclear envelope, chromatin, nucleolus, vacuole, cell membrane, lysosome, mitochondrion, golgi apparatus, ribosome, and endoplasmic reticulum.
The membrane of a cell can be associated to the walls and roof of a house. They keep the shape of the house, but can be changed if the needs of the house change. There are supports for the house just as there are supports for the cell membrane. The walls of the house also have openings to let certain things in, but other things cannot get in.
Within the cell membrane or walls of the house is a vacuole. The vacuole functions in a cell as a closet does in a house. The vacuole stores water and various chemicals, and in a house, the closet stores food, water, and even chemicals for cleaning. The closet can also be a place to store trash, or waste, just as the vacuole does.
The lysosomes in a cell function like a garbage disposal in a house. The lysosome uses water to break down molecules, but a garbage disposal uses water and a metal blade.
The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of a cell by changing glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water and ATP. A generator in a house also functions as a power house. The generator uses gasoline and oxygen to produce electrical energy for the house to function.
The endoplasmic reticulum transports chemicals between cells and within cells. The ER also provides a large surface area for the organization of chemical reactions and synthesis. In a house, a home network of computers serves the same function as the ER. The home network allows the people to transfer information and data between the house, and it also allows those people to access other networks. The home network provides more computers for people to use.
The golgi apparatus is a place for the cell to modify chemicals to make them functional.
