The Airport: David Gardner Cell parts analogy

The Cell Membrane The cell membrane is in both plant and animal cells. The part of the cell that is responsible for letting things in and out (selectively permeable). It is compared to a plane, because planes determine what goes in and out of an airport.

Cytoplasm It is found in both plant and animal cells. The Cytoplasm is what makes up the interior of the cell, and the space where all organelles are. It is compared to the terminal, because that’s where everything is.

Nucleus The Nucleus is found in both plant and animal cells. The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It is compared to the control tower, because the control tower is the command center of the airport.

Endoplasmic Reticulum It is found in both plant and animal cells. It is responsible for delivering things. It is compared to baggage handlers, because they both deliver things throughout their respective cells.

Ribosomes The ribosome is found in both pant and animal cells. They make food that is transferred into energy. It is compared to restaurants in an airport, because they both make the food that is provided for energy.

Nucleolus The Nucleolus is found in both plant and animal cells. The Nucleolus is the site where ribosomes are produced. It is compared to air traffic controllers, because they are both inside their cells nucleus and is like the assistant boss.

Mitochondrion The Mitochondrion is found in both plant and animal cells. The Mitochondrion controls the energy/power that is given to the cell. It is compared to a power station inside the airport, because they both provide power.

Golgi Body The Golgi Body is found in both plant and animal cells. The Golgi body delivers energy to things in the cell. It is compared to Flight attendants, because they both deliver energy to things in the respective cells.

Vacuole Vacuoles are found in both plant and animal cells. Vacuoles store things in a cell. The vacuole is like a storage room, because they both store things.