Build-A-Cell Activity
Today you are taking on the role of a molecular
biologist who’s leading the world in scientific innovation.
You found your rise to fame by discovering techniques to
create synthetic cells with “super” abilities. Your picture
has made it on the covers of popular science magazines like
“The Scientific American” and “Popular Science.” Scientists from all over
the world gather in Mountain House to learn from your research.
You have just received a multi-billion dollar contract to build “super”
cells for a major biotech company that plans on using your creations to
build the world’s first cyborg (half man, half machine). The biotech company
has sent their directions for what “super” abilities these cells need to have.
They have requested three different cells, with their own unique abilities.
Directions
1) Read the requirements for each “super” cell
2) Use your knowledge of cell organelles to build each of the three “super”
cells using the links provided below
3) Label each organelle in your designed cell and paste a screenshot on this
worksheet
4) Write one paragraph for each cell, explaining how it meets the
requirements written below
Cell PowerPoint
Cell #1 Requirements:
To build a cyborg we need a new type of muscle cell. This cell must
have all the usual organelles found in an animal cell. It has to produce large
amounts of energy to increase the endurance of the muscle itself. This
muscle cell also needs to rebuild itself quickly in case of damage to its inner
structures made up of proteins.
Screenshot:
Description (one paragraph): All of the organelles present in an animal cell
are present in this novel kind of muscle cell. On the other hand, there are
more mitochondria and ribosomes. Muscle endurance is increased by the
mitochondria's ability to create more energy. The cell produces more
proteins thanks to the ribosomes. When the inner structure, which is
composed of proteins, is destroyed, this aids the cell in rapidly repairing
itself.
Cell #2 Requirements:
We need a new type of “supply” cell that can send large amounts of
supplies to its neighbors. It has to store large amounts of water and
nutrients that neighboring cells may need. All other organelles normally
found in an animal cell should also be present.
Screenshot:
Description (one paragraph): Every organelle required for a normal cell is
present in this supply cell. Nonetheless, there are more vacuoles and golgi
apparatus in this unique cell. Large quantities of supplies are permitted in
the golgi, sometimes referred to as the cell's "shipping center." The cell is
able to store more water and nutrients because of the increased number of
vacuoles. This cell is able to feed its surrounding cells with more vacuoles
and golgi apparatus.
Cell #3 Requirements:
We need a skin cell that has two different sites for storing of genetic
information. They must be on opposites sides of the cell. It also need to have
the ability to make its own food incase of a food shortage.
Screenshot:
Description (one paragraph): This skin cell is a unique kind of self-sufficient
cell. A cell has more chloroplasts and an additional nucleus in addition to its
normal organelles. More genetic information may be stored because of the
additional nucleus. In the event of a food shortage, the cell can produce its
own food thanks to the chloroplasts. Higher numbers of chloroplasts and
nucleus enable the cell to be more complex while still being self-sufficient.
