50 Cell City Analogy Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s solve this step by step.

This diagram is a fun way to show how parts of a cell work — but it uses city buildings and workers instead of real cell parts. We need to match each labeled part (A–H) with the correct cell structure or function based on what’s happening in that spot.

We’ll go one letter at a time, using clues from the labels and actions shown.

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Label A:
It points to “Warning! Danger!” signs along the outer edge of the city. In a cell, the outer boundary that controls what comes in and out is the cell membrane. The warning signs suggest it’s protecting the inside — just like the cell membrane does.

→ So, A = Cell Membrane

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Label B:
Points to people working at computers inside an office building labeled “Authorization Office Only”. This looks like where instructions are made or controlled. In a cell, the nucleus holds DNA and controls activities — like an authorization office.

→ So, B = Nucleus

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Label C:
Points to a factory with smokestacks labeled “Power Company”. Power companies make energy. In cells, mitochondria make energy (ATP).

→ So, C = Mitochondria

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Label D:
Points to a place called “Protein Processing Plant” with boxes being packed. Proteins are processed and packaged in the Golgi apparatus.

→ So, D = Golgi Apparatus

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Label E:
Points to “Storage Tanks” holding food and water. In plant cells, large vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste. Animal cells have smaller ones, but since there’s also a chloroplast later, this might be a plant cell analogy.

→ So, E = Vacuole

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Label F:
Points to a sign saying “No Dumping” near a river outside the city. That suggests getting rid of waste. In cells, lysosomes break down waste and old parts.

→ So, F = Lysosome

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Label G:
Points to green panels on rooftops labeled “Solar Powered Factory”. Solar power = sunlight → photosynthesis. Chloroplasts do that in plant cells.

→ So, G = Chloroplast

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Label H:
Points to a road leading into the city with trucks bringing materials. This represents things entering the cell — so likely the cytoplasm, which fills the cell and allows movement of materials. Or possibly the cytoskeleton? But looking again — the road goes through the whole city, connecting everything. Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and lets organelles move around.

Actually, wait — let’s double-check. Some diagrams use roads for cytoskeleton (which gives shape and transport paths). But here, the label says “Transport Trucks” moving along the road — and the road connects all areas. In many cell city analogies, the cytoskeleton is the “roads” or “highways”.

But look: Label H is pointing to the actual ROAD itself, not the trucks. And the caption under the road says “Transport Trucks” — meaning the road is the pathway.

In standard cell city projects:
- Roads = Cytoskeleton (provides structure and transport routes)
- Cytoplasm = the air/space filling the city

But in this diagram, the space between buildings isn’t labeled — the road is specifically highlighted as the transport route.

Also, note: There’s no separate label for cytoplasm. Often in these diagrams, if they don’t label cytoplasm, the “ground” or “space” is implied. Here, the road is explicitly drawn and labeled with transport activity.

Wait — actually, re-examining: Label H is pointing to the *roadway* with arrows showing direction, and text “Transport Trucks” above it. In biology, intracellular transport happens along the cytoskeleton (microtubules etc.). So yes — H = Cytoskeleton

But let’s confirm common analogies:

Standard Cell City Analogy:
- City Wall = Cell Membrane
- City Hall = Nucleus
- Power Plant = Mitochondria
- Post Office / Packaging Center = Golgi
- Warehouse = Vacuole
- Recycling Center = Lysosome
- Solar Panels = Chloroplast
- Highways/Roads = Cytoskeleton
- Air/Space = Cytoplasm

Yes — so H should be Cytoskeleton

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Now let’s list them clearly:

A → Cell Membrane
B → Nucleus
C → Mitochondria
D → Golgi Apparatus
E → Vacuole
F → Lysosome
G → Chloroplast
H → Cytoskeleton

Double-checking:

- A: Outer barrier with warnings → Cell Membrane ✔
- B: Authorization office → Nucleus (controls cell) ✔
- C: Power company → Mitochondria (makes ATP) ✔
- D: Protein processing plant → Golgi (modifies/packages proteins) ✔
- E: Storage tanks → Vacuole (stores stuff) ✔
- F: No dumping zone → Lysosome (breaks down waste) ✔
- G: Solar powered factory → Chloroplast (uses sun to make food) ✔
- H: Transport roads → Cytoskeleton (transport network inside cell) ✔

All match standard cell city analogies.

Final Answer:
A = Cell Membrane
B = Nucleus
C = Mitochondria
D = Golgi Apparatus
E = Vacuole
F = Lysosome
G = Chloroplast
H = Cytoskeleton