Unit 1 Lab Project

Tamara James
Human Biology 156
Unit 1 Lab Project

Unit 1 Lab project (Building a cell)


Introduction:

This is a model that represents a cell, all of its main organelles, and what their roles are in the cell. The organelles presented in this model include the cell membrane, the nucleus and its nuclear membrane, the endoplasmic reticulum, rough and smooth, ribosomes, the golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, mitochondria, and cilia made of microtubules.
This model also represents DNA and cell genetics. This model shows multiple chromosomes found in the cell nucleus, DNA, the replication of DNA, mitosis, DNA transcription to mRNA, mRNA translation to proteins, and tRNA.
Cell membrane – A semi-permeable lipid bilayer which mainly contains proteins and lipids. The cell membrane is involved in several cellular processes, and also serves as the attachment point for the intracellular cytoskeleton.
Nucleus - The largest part of the cell. The nucleus is located in the middle of the cell, and is bound by a porous nuclear envelope (nuclear membrane). The nucleus contains several important characteristics of a cell such as DNA, ribosomal RNA, proteins called chromatin, and nucleoplasm.
Endoplasmic reticulum – An organelle found in eukaryotic cells. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is a transport for ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum doesn’t have any ribosomes, which allows an increase in surface area for the action or storage of key enzymes.
Ribosomes - Ribosomes are organelles made of RNA and protein. They are located within the cytoplasm known as polyribosomes. This type of ribosome is used for various purposes in the cell, and some ribosomes may be eventually exit the cell, or become part of the plasma membrane.
Golgi Apparatus – Consists of a stack of cisternae which is bounded by the membrane located between the endoplasmic reticulum and the surface of the cell. This structure is responsible for processing the proteins that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Lysosomes – An organelle that contains digestive enzymes. They digest exhausted organelles, viruses, bacteria, and food particles.
Vesicles – An organelle that is relatively small, and is responsible for storage, transport, and waste.
Mitochondria – Mitochondria are found in eukaryotic cells and are
known as the powerhouse of the cell. They are in charge of converting the chemical energy of glucose products into the chemical energy of ATP molecules. This process is known as cellular respiration.
Cilia – Is one of the main organelles responsible for movement. It is made of microtubules, which are small cylindrical structures. The ciliated cells in our respiratory tract keep our lungs clean by removing trapped debris within the mucus in our throats.
Chromosome – This is a large macromolecule from DNA. It contains genes and other nucleotide sequences.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid. This contains genetic instructions for the development of living things. They are considered the blueprints of life, and store long-term information.
Mitosis – Process when a cell duplicates its chromosomes to generate two identical cells.
mRNA – Messenger ribonucleic acid. This is what carries coding information to the sites of protein synthesis.
tRNA – Transfer ribonucleic acid. This transfers specific amino acids to a growing polypeptide chain.


List of cell parts and representations:
* Cell : Represented by a styrofoam disk
* Cell membrane : Represented by blue spray paint
* Nucleus : Represented by half a styrofoam ball (painted black)
* Endoplasmic Reticulum : Represented by a fruit roll-up
* Ribosomes : Represented by lentils
* Golgi Apparatus : Represented by a ridged fruit roll-up
* Lysosomes : Represented by crunch chocolate circles
* Vesicles : Represented by green split peas
* Mitochondria : Represented by pinto beans
* Cilia – Represented by spaghetti
* Chromosome – Represented by white cheddar sticks
* DNA – Represented by blue spray painted, and white cue-tips
* mRNA – Represented by a red chip clip
* tRNA – Represented by white cue-tips

The model itself:
Here are all the parts of a cell, and the beginning of my project
Here are more supplies I needed for my project
Here is the cell and nucleus after being spray-painted
Here is a picture of the finished cell (spaghetti on outside
Represents the cilia).
Here is a picture of the ribosomes on the rough endoplasmic reticulum
Here is a picture of the ‘DNA’ before being painted
Here is a picture of my cell, mitosis, multiple chromosomes,
tRNA, DNA and its replication, mRNA and its translation
into proteins, and cell metabolism.

Here is a picture of tRNA, DNA, mRNA, and cell metabolism
Here is a picture of the chromosomes, and mitosis

Conclusion:

In conclusion this model was difficult to show cell genetics, and its metabolism, and was very time consuming. However this helped me learn all the organelles in a cell, and each of their specific function. This was a good hands on experience in order to obtain the proper knowledge of a working cell.