Compare the structures of a cell to those of a city. Although vast differences in size, organization and infrastructures seem alike, the cell and the city may share a lot in common.
Cell City
Cells are the basic units of life unique and sophisticated due to their different structures working together to achieve many functions. (1) All organisms comprise of tiny microscopic units. Some primitive organisms consist simply of one cell (unicellular). (3) Humans begin life as a single cell but grow into a vast complex structure of many different types (differentiated cells), (2) each performing specialised tasks, grouping into tissues then organs, organ systems and finally a complete organism. (3)
A very different environment to this organic structure is a city, but closer analysis shows a similar trend in development. Cities begin small but are then grouped into provinces, countries, continents then earth. (4) Although vast differences in size, organization and infrastructures seem alike, the cell and the city may share a lot in common.
One of the most important parts of an animal cell is its nucleus, working as a control centre for cellular operations. It contains the genetic information, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is the blueprint for the cell. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) nucleotides use it to translate information into instructions for making new proteins. (5) This process of translation happens in the cytosol. DNA and RNA are large organic macromolecules located in the nucleoplasm and contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus. (3) The DNA strands give rise to complex structures known as chromosomes which are bound to proteins called histones forming a structure called chromatin. (3) A denser region inside the nucleus is called the nucleolus which is the site of RNA and ribosomal synthesis. Surrounding the nucleus is a nuclear envelope which contains many pores allowing it to communicate with the cytosol by permitting the passage of large molecules. (5)
Analytically, in a city the control centre is the city hall, where a Mayor works and along with the elected party runs the whole city, creating rules and legislation, administering public policies and regulating industries. (6) It is often the centre where records are held and operations throughout the city are delegated. Different organizations throughout a city are communication, power, education and health. (4) They are all necessary for a city to function; cells have structures called organelles which carry out these similar roles. (5)
An important aspect for a cell, aside from its nucleus, is energy. Energy is needed to sustain life and without it a cell would die. (3) In a city, energy is needed to provide basic human necessities like food and heat, but furthermore it is needed to build structures, transport materials and for use of technologies; for example, communication. (7) In a cell, the site of energy production happens in the mitochondria, these organelles, bound by a double membrane are the power houses, converting nutrients like glucose into biochemical energy via oxidation. (3) A process called cellular respiration where the mitochondrion absorbs organic molecules, oxygen and adenosine diphosphate (ADP); they react with respiratory enzymes on the large surface area within the mitochondrion, folds called cristae. (3) This generates carbon dioxide, water and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (a high energy compound storage molecule). (3) Cells that do not require much energy will have very few mitochondria, but for the cells which functions demand high amounts of energy like muscle tissue cells, many mitochondria can be found. (5)
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Peer Reviews
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Quality of writing
The language of the writer does not show any major flaws. Very few grammar errors are present and even these are not too glaring errors. The writer maintains a formal register required for this report, avoiding any colloquialisms though some clichéd statements could have been avoided. An important highlight of this report would be the content-wise organization of the report as the writer divides the report into different sections, each of which focus on a certain component of the cell. Even between these distinct sections, the writer weaves in links to ties up the report together. Overall, the writer has presented a very informative report on fundamental cell biology.
Level of analysis
Definitely, the writer does a neat job in explaining the various components of the cell, the structures of these components and their functions to present a clear idea of cell metabolism. Further, the writer justifies the title of this report by drawing appropriate comparisons to amenities and services in a city. The depth and accuracy of the biology is reflected in the references the writer cites throughout the report, justifying the effort and immaculate research put in. Each cell component is accompanied by an image that illustrates the content covered regarding that particular component. The writer also does not drag off or be distracted into describing a city which will of course be too obvious but just mentions the analogy and instead maintains a clear focus on the biology. The writer makes smooth transitions in writing about each component and in executing this transition in a logical manner, the writer establishes the interdependence between the various organelles. Overall, the writer does not delve too much into the finer details but presents the relevant information in a clear and coherent manner.
Response to question
The writer manages to coherently compare the structure, functions and fundamental metabolism of the cell to that of a city, drawing relevant analogies between a city and the cell. The writer manages to focus on the most important parts of the cell such as the mitochondria, the nucleus, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus and the cell membrane. Not only does the writer cover the biology behind these cell components, but also creatively compare these cell components to common features of a city. While these comparisons might seem obvious, the style of the writer in conveying this is humorous and also innovative as well.
