Scribd
Upload
79 views4 pages

Function+of+Cells BIO141-0804B-03 CarrieGray Task1

Cells function similarly to computers in some ways. Both cells and computers use a storage device - cells use DNA to store genetic information like computers use storage drives. They both also use a form of metabolism or energy source - cells use active transport to obtain energy while computers use electricity. However, cells and computers differ in key ways. Cells can self-replicate entirely while computers can only create backups. Cells can also heal themselves while computers rely on antivirus programs. Additionally, cells require water and nutrients to function while computers cannot operate in water or without external power and cooling.

Uploaded by

carrie08
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX or read online on Scribd
79 views4 pages

Function+of+Cells BIO141-0804B-03 CarrieGray Task1

Cells function similarly to computers in some ways. Both cells and computers use a storage device - cells use DNA to store genetic information like computers use storage drives. They both also use a form of metabolism or energy source - cells use active transport to obtain energy while computers use electricity. However, cells and computers differ in key ways. Cells can self-replicate entirely while computers can only create backups. Cells can also heal themselves while computers rely on antivirus programs. Additionally, cells require water and nutrients to function while computers cannot operate in water or without external power and cooling.

Uploaded by

carrie08
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Cells 1

RUNNING HEAD: SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES

Function of Cells

Carrie Gray

November, 18, 2008

Instructor: McClain

Phase_1_Task_1

Colorado Technical University Online


Cells 2

Abstract

We have much to learn from the human body and by learning how cells function,

communicate and work with each other, and behaviors, we can gain a clearer perspective of the

complex human body. In this paper we will look at cells, and how they use their own processor

and storage device and memory, very close to a pc.

Similarities

Nucleic acid or chemicals, is similar to silicon (nonmetallic element) or a chip in a

computer. Then we have (DNA) molecules or nucleotide which contains tons of information just

like a storage device (megabytes) for a pc that can store information or data even when it is off.

Both have a metabolism, or active transport: it gets electrical energy from an electrical outlet or a

battery. The programs in each can be copied and executed and a cell works all the time, 24/7. A

cell uses DNA, genetic material, to direct the activities of the cell but a computer uses a

Motherboard, programs and devices to control it (Shier, D, Butler, J & Lewis, R, 2007).

Difference

A cell can reproduce its self with a complete copy, unlike a computer who can only create

a backup. Cells are capable of healing themselves, a computer uses a virus program to do the

healing and as we know, it doesn’t always catch them all. Cells keep getting bigger and

technology keeps making the pc smaller and smaller. A computer can’t work in water and a cell

can’t function without it, water helps the metabolic process. A computer is not a living thing, a

cell needs nourishment, or food to supple organisms with needed chemicals. Oxygen is used in

body to release energy from nutrients. A computer needs to remain cooler but human organisms

require heat to control the rate of metabolic reactions, and pressure for breathing and pumping

blood through vessels.

Conclusion
Cells 3

So keep in mind as you surf through the net, how similar and the how different the human

body, and the work of cells, as we live, to that of a man-made computer, and what may be in

store for us in the nearby future.


Cells 4

References

David Shier, Jackie Butler, Ricki Lewis. (2007). Hole’s Anatomy and Physiology,

(11th. Edition.). McGraw-hill Companies Inc, New York, NY 10020

Marshall, B. (2008). How Cells Work. Retrieved November 21, 2008, from HowStuffWorks, Inc.

Web site: HowStuffWorks "How Cells Work"

You might also like