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Cells and Systems 6-8 / Week 03 / Thursday
4/6
Week 03 · Inside a Cell

Thursday

Reading the cell parts table
// A cell is a system of parts
⏱ about 20 min

Thursday: Reading the Cell Parts Table

Raven sets a printed table beside the bag model. "The National Library of Medicine lists the major parts of a human cell."

Rocket counts the rows. "Nine. We only built five." He frowns. "Golgi apparatus? Lysosomes?"

"What do you notice about the jobs?" Raven asks. "Some parts make things. Some move things. Some recycle."

Nova hovers over the table. "A cell has a kitchen, a mail room and a recycling center," she says. "Each part has one job."

Rocket taps the mitochondria row. "Convert energy from food. That one I know."

"Then read the rest," Raven says. "A system is more than its biggest parts." Nova hums. "Row by row."

The table from the National Library of Medicine

The National Library of Medicine publishes a plain-language guide called What is a cell? It lists the major parts of human cells.

Here are the parts and their jobs, shortened. Read every row before you answer the questions.

Notice how the jobs fit together. Making, moving, powering, recycling and directing are all needed to keep one cell alive.

Cell partWhat the guide says it does, in short
CytoplasmJelly-like fluid and other structures that surround the nucleus
CytoskeletonNetwork of long fibers; gives the cell its shape and helps it move
Endoplasmic reticulumProcesses molecules the cell makes and moves them where they are needed
Golgi apparatusPackages molecules to be transported out of the cell
Lysosomes and peroxisomesRecycling center; break down worn-out parts and unwanted substances
MitochondriaConvert energy from food into a form the cell can use
NucleusCommand center; houses DNA and sends directions to grow and divide
Plasma membraneOuter lining; separates the cell and lets materials enter and leave
RibosomesUse the genetic instructions to make proteins
USE THE TABLE
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Which part is the recycling center of the cell?
Which part makes proteins from the genetic instructions?
Which part gives the cell its shape, like the string in your model?
The National Library of Medicine table lists ____ major parts of a human cell.
The part that packages molecules to be sent out of the cell is the Golgi ____.
StatementTrue or false?
Ribosomes make proteins.?
The nucleus is the outer lining of the cell.?
Mitochondria convert energy from food.?
The cytoskeleton is a jelly-like fluid.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEEach part has one main job. Mixing them up means the system no longer makes sense.
A PROTEIN LEAVES THE CELL
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Second
3Third
4Fourth
Try it
Look at your bag model. Which four table rows does it show? Which five does it leave out?
Choose one missing part. Find a household object that could stand for it and write why.
Check the seed jar and record the longest root in millimeters.
Try this
Say the nine parts aloud in alphabetical order, the way the guide lists them.
Cover the job column and test yourself on three rows. Record how many you got right.
Draw a cell with all nine parts from the table. Use a different color for each and add a key.

Careful reading. Tomorrow you find cells working as systems all over your life, and review the week.

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