Organelle Modeling Project
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In this project, students were tasked with creating a model that represents an organelle. The goal of the project was to understand form-function relationships using real-life metaphors. Students then provided a written statement explaining their metaphor and its meaning.
Zayna and Seth’s Golgi Warehouse
Golgi Apparatus Warehouse Model
The golgi apparatus is made up of golgi bodies, globule-like chambers that store, process, and re-package proteins, lysosomes, and sugars. The way it does this is by collecting components and molecules and putting them into chambers called vesicles. Then, it either sends these vesicles out to the rest of the cell to be unpacked and used by various other components (the golgi apparatus works particularly closely with rough endoplasmic reticulum, taking proteins and ribosomes from the rough endoplasmic reticulum and putting them into vesicles), or storing them for later use (Andrew Rader Studios).
The golgi bodies deal with most core “materials” within the cell, including proteins, lipids, enzymes, sugars, ribosomes, and lysosomes. They work with rough endoplasmic reticulum by adding the protein created by the rough endoplasmic reticulum into “transition vesicles”, which float over to the bigger vesicles created by golgi bodies until they eventually get absorbed, available to ship out to the rest of the cell or keep in storage for later (Davidson).
The golgi apparatus functions very similarly to a factory. The golgi apparatus gathers simple molecules and the basic components of various chemicals and packages them together before shipping them in vesicles or storing them for later (Andrew Rader Studios). Shipping factories are very similar to this, as they gather the objects from someone’s order, they get the materials necessary to ship them, and then they make sure the package is prepared for shipping. (Patel)
So, we created GOLGI APPARATUZ, a factory to show how golgi apparatus’s function. We used a Lego® mindstorm brick, a color sensor, a Lego® conveyor belt, Lego® motor, and red, green, and blue Legos of varying sizes. First, the Lego® brick was programmed to control the direction the converter belt went based on whether the Lego® was red (a protein), green (a lipid), or blue (a molecule that the golgi apparatus doesn’t process). If the Lego® was red or blue, it was ready for shipping. So, the motor turned clockwise causing the Lego® to chug along the conveyor belt to the box labeled “ready for shipping.” If a green Lego® is placed under the light sensor, the program tells the motor to go counter-clockwise which leads the Lego® to a box labeled “ready for storage.” Different sized Legos were used to show that proteins and lipids are not all the same size. It also depicts the different sized packages that factories ship. So, watch out, Jeff Bezos.
Works Cited
Andrew Rader Studios. “Golgi Apparatus - Packing Things Up.” Golgi Apparatus - Packing Things Up, Andrew Rader Studios, 1997, http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_golgi.html. Accessed 23 11 2020.
Davidson, Michael W. “The Golgi Apparatus.” The Golgi Apparatus, Florida State University, 1 10 2000, https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/golgi/golgiapparatus.html. Accessed 23 11 2020.
Patel, Hamish. “Golgi Apparatus.” TeachMe Physiology: Golgi Apparatus, TeachMeSeries, 28 5 2020, https://teachmephysiology.com/histology/cell-structures/golgi-apparatus/. Accessed 23 11 2020.
Amos and Hallie’s Cytoskeleton Scaffolding
The most notable organelles of a Eukaryotic cell are the nucleus, ribosomes, rough ER, smooth ER, microtubule centrioles, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, cell membrane, and the cytoplasm. The cytoskeleton is a system of filaments or fibers in the cytoplasm containing eukaryotic cells. It is responsible for contraction, cell motility (movement of organelle vesicles through the cytoplasm), cytokinesis (the intercellular organization in the cytoplasm), the establishment of cell polarity (the asymmetric organization of several cellular components, that are used for performing functions), and homeostasis (survival of the cell). The cytoskeleton organizes the parts of the cell, maintains the cell’s shape, and is responsible for the locomotion of the cell itself and the movement of the various organelles within it.
The cytoskeleton is made up of three major types of filaments, the actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Actin filaments occur in the cell in the form of bundles of parallel fibers looking almost like mesh. They help determine the shape of the cell and also help it stay in there shape. Microtubules are longer filaments that are continually assembling and disassembling. They play a crucial role in moving the daughter chromosomes to the newly forming daughter cells during mitosis. (A daughter chromosome is a chromosome formed after the splitting of two cells during mitosis.) Intermediate filaments, in contrast to actin filaments and microtubules, are very stable structures that form the true skeleton of the cell. They anchor the nucleus and position it within the cell, and they give the cell its elastic properties and its ability to withstand tension.
The metaphor that we used in our model was a ski lift. We didn’t really account for microtubules or microfilaments, as our metaphor is focused on the parts of the cytoskeleton that helps other organelles move. Our metaphor is fairly straightforward; Like chairs on a ski lift, organelles move along the intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton. Our metaphor is slightly misleading in that the “cable” provides the movement when in the cell, the organelles moving along the cytoskeleton provide the movement. However, we thought that it was worth a little bit of inaccuracy to have movement to demonstrate the purpose of the “ski lift”. In order to construct this metaphor, we used cardboard, LEGO pieces, and string. Our original plan was to have an unmoving wire connecting two cardboard posts, but we opted for a more complicated design when we realized that we could have a functioning ski lift with a crank if we were willing to move away from a precise model to extend our metaphor.
Citations
Goodman, Steven R. “Cytoskeleton.” Medical Cell Biology, 3 ed., Elsevier Inc, 2007. Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cytoskeleton.
Britannica Kids. “Cytoskeleton.” Britannica Kids, Britannica, https://kids.britannica.com/scholars/article/cytoskeleton/28450#.
Gahl, William. “Organelle.” Genome, https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Organelle.
Shanti and Liam’s Nuclear Construction Site
Artist’s Statement:
For this project, we were assigned an organelle, and had to come up with a good idea of a model for it. We (Liam and Shanti) were assigned the nucleus. Before we even get into detail about the process to create the model, let’s discuss what an organelle even is. In general, organelles inhabit a cell, and they work hard to improve cell growth and create energy, so you can exist and play fun sports like tennis! They are really important!
Now that we have gotten that definition out of the way, let me discuss what the nucleus is and what it does. The nucleus does a lot of important stuff within the cell, like creating energy and improving cell growth. The Nucleus, in simple terms, is basically the boss of an operation, or in the case of our model, a construction site. The Nucleus ensures that everything happens in the correct and most efficient order. It sends signals to other organelles, and those organelles create proteins and causes protein synthesis.
Now, you might be wondering how our model of Sesame Street characters on a construction site with a crane and tools, connects to the Nucleus. Don’t worry, it does. Let’s go through the different parts of our model to explain what’s going on.
The first aspect of the model you might notice is the big crane. The way it works is through water and air pressure, and moves up and down using syringes. The crane is operated by Grover. The other main aspects of the model are the Sesame Street characters holding and using construction site materials. Some have nails, popsicle sticks, a jackhammer, hammers, and lunch :). We also have Elmo on a stick observing everyone.There is also a house, made out of popsicle sticks, not finished being built. The crane is holding the roof of the house, using a magnet.
You also might be thinking, “Huh, this just seems like a bunch of random objects complied together.” And to be clear, it's not. Yes every part of the model, if separated, and observed only with itself would seem strange and nowhere near a good representation of the nucleus, which is the point. Technically Elmo is the nucleus, since he’s making sure everything is working smoothly, but the nucleus also is what creates a well working community, or construction site. If the model had been separated from its parts, nothing would work, but when united as one, it works pretty darn well.
Bibliography
Baxter, Rachel. “Cell nucleus.” KenHub, 29 October 2020,
Lumen. “The Nucleus and Ribosomes.” Boundless Anatomy and Physiology, Lumen. November 2020.
Wiley Online Library. “Cell Nucleus.” Wiley Online Library, Wiley Online Library, 15 July 2011. 23 November 2020.
Phoebe and Phivos’ Lysosome Cheese Grater
For our project, we thought of a metaphor for lysosomes, that being that lysosomes are like cheese graters, as they break down excess or worn out cells, much like the grater does to the cheese. We quickly realized that when making an automatic machine to represent this, we would not be able to apply as much force as we needed to grate the cheese… After reworking our ideas and brainstorming, we came up with the idea of how lysosomes are a lot like a paper cutter, which turns an object into separate pieces by cutting it with a sharp blade.
Lysosomes look like round balls with small bumps on the outside, which are actually transport proteins. Transport proteins are proteins that’s purpose is to move materials within an organism. On the outer layer is the membrane, where the transport proteins are. Inside the lysosome, there are the enzymes, specifically hydraulic enzymes. These small balls do quite a lot in our cells. Specifically, they break down proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrate and fat molecules into their most basic units. The lyse part of the word lysosome means to break apart a larger particle into smaller pieces. This process, lysing, can happen in the call and outside the cell walls4.
This process specifically shows how lysosomes and the machine relate because of the breaking down process. The hydraulic enzymes represent the wooden sticks that break down the proteins, lipids, and other molecules, which represent the play dough.
Lysosomes are commonly found in animal cells. The way they do this is that they hold enzymes, which are a substance produced by living things that speed up the process of the chemical reactions in the cells. What these enzymes in the lysosomes can break down are proteins, which are converted into amino acids, lipids, which turn into simple fatty acids, and finally carbohydrates into simple sugars cells, as well as destroy bacteria entering the body.
The plan for our automatic machine is to have a can with wooden sticks along the brim, with a piece of play dough laying on them. The lid, which would be partially opened, would have a string that when pulled, would make the lid fall down on the wooden stick, which would cut the play dough into smaller parts. The materials needed for this machine are string, wooden sticks, a can, play dough, and a can opener.
Works Cited
1. Gahl, William. “Lysosome.” Genome.gov, N.P, N.D N.D N.D, https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Lysosome. Accessed 23 November 2020. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Lysosome
2. “Lysosomes - Little Enzyme Packages.” Biology For Kids. Andrew Rader Studios. N.d. web. November 23, 2020. http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_lysosome.html
3. Designua. “Anatomy of a lysosome.” Shutterstock.” shutterstock. N.d. web. November 23, 2020. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/lysosome
4.BD Editors. “Lyse.” Biology Dictionary. Biology Dictionary. April 28, 2017. Web December 5, 2020. https://biologydictionary.net/lyse/
Ezra and Marvin’s Mitochondrial Battery
Inside the cells of all living things are organelles, tiny structures which make the cell function. One organelle which is present in most cells is the mitochondrion, which is vital to the survival of its host cell. Within a cell there are usually multiple mitochondria. The outermost part of the mitochondrion is the outer membrane. This forms the mitochondria’s bean-like shape and helps facilitate communication/interaction with other organelles. Right inside the outer membrane is the inner membrane, which contains various proteins that help the energy generation process. One of the proteins within the membrane is ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthase, the final piece in the energy generation puzzle. When energy generated by the movement of hydrogen in the intermembrane area reaches the ATP synthase, the synthase produces ATP (adenosine phosphate. a form of energy which the mitochondria and its host cell both need to function). The inner membrane has tons of tiny folds called cristae, which increase its surface area. This makes even more places where ATP generation process can happen, which means the mitochondria is more efficient. The space inside the inner membrane where the cristae don’t take up room is called the matrix. This space isn’t empty, but filled with a substance that’s sticky and viscous.
How the mitochondria works
An organelle is a structure within a cell which helps the cell function. Organelles carry out specific tasks, just like the organs in your body. The organelle assigned to us was the Mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the ‘powerhouse of the cell’. It creates a form of energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is usable by both itself and its host cell.
Within the mitochondria, sugars are broken down and generate energy, the energy being used to form compounds called NADH and FADH2. Both compounds move electrons (negatively charged) towards the inner membrane, where the electron is drawn to the intermembrane space (positively charged).
In this space between the outer and inner membrane, Electrons move hydrogen particles back and forth. Once enough energy is produced the hydrogen is pushed towards the ATP synthase, which is an enzyme embedded in the inner membrane. The ATP synthase takes the energy generated by the moving hydrogen and makes ATP with it. The ATP is then used by the mitochondrion and host cell to function!
Our Model
Almost every part of the mitochondria has an equivalent part of our model. The lemon juice represents the hydrogen, because it moves back and forth, and also is what the energy is created from. The tubes connecting the tubs represent the membrane, as they separate the two sections, and also are what the lemon juice moves through. The tubs represent different areas in or outside the mitochondria. The upper tub represents the matrix (inside of the inner membrane), and the lower tub represents the area outside of the inner membrane, but inside the outer membrane. The parts of the actual battery (the copper and nail) represent the ATP synthase. The pump doesn’t represent a part of the mitochondria as much as it represents an action that happens in the mitochondria; the movement of the hydrogen into the matrix.
Sources
“Mitochondria.” National Human Genome Research Institute. NHGRI, n.d. Web. 23 November
2020.
“Mitochondrion- Much More Than Just an Energy Converter.”British Society for Cell Biology.
BSCB, n.d. Web. 23 November 2020.
http://www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk/what-are-mitochondria#
“What are Mitochondria?” MRC|Mitochondrial Biology Unit. MRC MBU, n.d. Web. 23
November 2020.
Gus and Saoirse’s Robotic Ribosome
To model the Ribosome we decided to make a LEGO robot. Our LEGO robot is composed of many individual pieces that make up a “claw” or “grabber” at the front of the robot. This is programmed to move and react through the LEGO programming system. The claw is able to open and close, as well as slightly move up and down, which further allows it to grab a LEGO brick depending on its positioning. As we program our model, the robot will move through a sequence of LEGO’s, grabbing an individual piece at intervals by bending down and closing its pincers on a lego piece, forcing the lego to move up into its grasp. After this, the robot’s next goal will be placing a LEGO brick in a specific bucket to represent the function and purpose of a ribosome. This robot will move using the attached wheels on the bottom, two axes holding them in place. The claw will be fastened onto the frame of the robot. The overall frame, which is primarily composed of Technic bricks, LEGO beams, and fasteners also supports the device that carries the code mentioned earlier. When the program is in motion and sends its signal to the motor, the claw and axis supporting the wheels will spring into motion and the process will start.
Like any other organelle in a cell, the function of a ribosome is to assist in making proteins. A ribosome is made up of RNA and certain proteins that change genetic code into amino acids. One of the main functions of the ribosome is to decode messages from the RNA and synthesize proteins. The ribosome helps to synthesize proteins by linking together amino acids. The linked amino acids create polypeptides that the ribosome then exports to the cytoplasm. The ribosome is made up of a large subunit and a small subunit. Each of these subunits has both protein and RNA. The RNA found in ribosomes is called ribosomal RNA or rRNA. The location of the ribosome within the cell determines where the proteins in synthesizes go; for instance, free-floating ribosomes in the cytoplasm will make proteins that are used within the cell, whereas, ribosomes on the rough endoplasmic reticulum will synthesize proteins that go outside the cell. In our model, the code that the LEGO robot receives is the RNA that the ribosome has to translate. And the action of putting LEGOs together and dropping them symbolize how the ribosome connects amino acids in polypeptides and exports them to the cytoplasm.
Works Cited
Lafontaine, Denis. Tollervey, David. “The function and synthesis of ribosomes” Nature. 1 July 2001. Accessed 7 December 2020.
Mary Alice and Hanna’s Nuclear Library
An organelle is a part of the cell that carries out a specific task, such as converting protein into amino acids(Nucleus) and enforcing hereditary information(Ribosome). There are approximately thirteen organelles in a cell and one of the most important organelles is the nucleus. The nucleus is an organelle that is present in all animal cells. The nucleus controls the activities of the cell, which includes things like metabolism and energy. The nucleus holds the hereditary information of the cell; this is essentially chromosomes. This means that single gene units are copied into mRNA to then enforce the hereditary information given by the nucleus. There are also other miniature functions working within the nucleus, such as the nucleolus and nucleoplasm. The nucleolus, while part of the nucleus, functions differently from the nucleus. The nucleolus essentially assembles the ribosomal RNAs, which are then carried out of the nucleolus, to the cytoplasm, by the messenger RNAs. The ribosomal RNAs are then guided to the ribosomes to be processed in the production of protein. The nucleoplasm stores DNA and allows the nucleolus to function in a mostly isolated setting. The nucleus is thought to be the information center of the cell because it holds the information containing the sequence of amino acids within proteins. This affects the daily functions of the cell, considering the cell needs the energy given by proteins. One of the main traits of the nucleus we used as the foundation to build our model on is the information-holding aspect.
We chose to represent the nucleus by making a model of an information desk with a large bookshelf behind it. We chose this comparison because given the nucleus’ tasks of storing and searching for information, it was similar to a receptionist, who has access to all sorts of information about an office or business. The receptionist has the contact information of all the employees on hand, and can communicate with them at any time, which are two particular ways the position reflects the nucleus’ job— it is positioned at the center of the cell, storing vital information used by all the other organelles, and directly connected to the endoplasmic reticulum, which, in our analogy, could be seen as representing employees or workers.
Besides visually representing an information desk, our model has a functional, mechanical aspect as well: two small levers that, when pushed, cause two respective books to be dispensed from the shelf. We chose to include this mechanical feature because we wanted to show that the nucleus has ready access to its stored DNA information at any time, and can read or send out information “at the press of a button” so to speak. Though the metaphor of an automated bookshelf obviously doesn’t literally represent the structure of the organelle
Anna and Nate’s Golgi-bot
The Golgi apparatus is a membrane bound organelle (“Golgi”) found in both animal and plant cells (Rogers). The main purpose of the Golgi Apparatus is to transport and modify proteins and lipids into “vesicles” to be sent to a selected destination (Rogers).
The Golgi apparatus is made out of 5 to 8 folds called cisternae. The cisternae contains enzymes that create five functional regions.These regions modify proteins before they passthrough (“Golgi”). The first region is the theCis-Golgi network. This region faces the nucleus and has a connection to the endoplasmic reticulum. This is also the entry point of the Golgi Apparatus. The next three regions all perform the same task which is being a major processing area which allows biochemical modifications. These three regions are the theCis-Golgi, Medial-Golgi, and the Trans-Golgi. The last region of the Golgi Apparatus is theTrans-Golgi network, this is the exit point of the Golgi Apparatus. This part packages and sorts biochemicals into a designated vesicle based on its destination (“Golgi”).
When proteins and lipids enter the Golgi-apparatus, they arrive in clusters of fused vesicles. These vesicles travel in microtubules through a special compartment called the vesicular-tubular cluster. This compartment lies between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. As the proteins and lipids travel through the Cis-golgi, Medial golgi, and the Trans golgi, they are modified into functional molecules. Then they are placed with other molecules for delivery to specific locations. The modification can be a lot of different things including the addition of fatty acids or phosphate groups or the removal of monosaccharides (Roger).
For our metaphor we decided to build a lego robot to represent the Golgi Apparatus. The way our build works is we have a conveyor belt that blocks are moving on. While they are moving on the conveyor they get another block placed on top of them. When they reach the end there is a robot who is there to sort the blocks. The conveyor belt represents the Cis-golgi network, and the system for adding blocks represents the Cis-golgi, Medial-golgi, and the Trans-golgi. The last part of the robot is the sorting robot, which is the exit or the Trans-golgi network.
Works Cited:
Aryal, Sagar. “Golgi Apparatus- Definition, Structure, Functions and Diagram.” Microbe Notes.Web November 30, 2020. link.
“Golgi Apparatus.” TeachMePhysiology. Web. November 23, 2020. LinkRogers, Kate.
“Golgi Apparatus.” Britannica. Web. November 23, 2020.
Pashya and Natalia’s Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum primary function is to build up and break down materials within the cell. The ER can synthesize steroid hormones, detoxify byproducts that cause deadly diseases; store and metabolize calcium ions that help with nerves and strengthen other tissues. However, it's not that easy. In order to synthesize hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, the SER has enzymes that cause chemical reactions in the reproductive organs.
In order for the second function of dexotifiation to occur, it increases its surface area to get rid of a vast amount of byproducts at the same time. When the surface area is doubled the waste and drugs(byproducts) are transferred into the dissolvable water allowing for easy dismissal from the body.
Lastly the third function of the SER is to store calcium ions, then build and break down matter along with it. For instance many structural molecules inside the osseous or bone tissue are composed of calcium. It is also a part of albumin and frequently interacts with anions in the body.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum looks and acts as a transportation system containing small organelles called ribosomes. The RER is also the closest to the organelle in the middle called the “nucleus.” While the SER is just a smaller version of the RER, it has the same transportation look along with tubular structures called “cisternae”, though it lacks ribosomes and has different functions. The structure of the ER is stabilized by proteins such as reticulons. To hold the structure, reticulons and other proteins either push themselves between the lipid bilayer, or they hold the shape through oligomerization, the making of an oligomer by a monomer. An oligomer is a molecule that consists of few repeating units, and a monomer is when two molecules have a reaction causing a larger molecule to form.
Ultimately the smooth endoplasmic reticulum operates closely with the Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, mRNA, and the tRNA. The SER is a grid of membranes within the cell that is connected to the nucleus. The function of a cell determines the size and build of the membrane meaning each ER is a little different. Some cells like prokaryotes and red blood cells don't have any sort of ER, but cells in the liver and pancreas have larger ERs because they release a lot of proteins.
To conclude the Smooth ER is a large part of the metabolic system. It synthesizes steroid hormones, detoxifies byproducts that cause deadly diseases, stores and metabolizes calcium ions that help with nerves and strengthen other tissues, whereas the Rough ER acts more like a transportation system. The size is affected by the function of the cells, and the amount of proteins held in the cell. The SER and ER in general has many functions that help living organisms to stay alive.
Bibliography
“All About the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum and its Function.” BiologyWise, https://biologywise.com/smooth-endoplasmic-reticulum-function. Accessed November 2020.
BD, Editors. “Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum.” Biology Dictionary, 4 October 2019, https://biologydictionary.net/smooth-endoplasmic-reticulum/. Accessed November 2020.
“Can genes be turned on and off in cells?” Medlineplus, 18 September 2020, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/howgeneswork/geneonoff/. Accessed November 2020.
“Endoplasmic Reticulum Rough and Smooth ER.” Youtube, 7 September 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ikERQCE6M. Accessed November 2020.
“Endoplasmic Reticulum - Wrapping it Up.” Biology4kids, http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_er.html. Accessed 4 December 2020.
Klaerner, G. “Oligomer.” Science Direct, 2016, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/oligomer. Accessed 8 December 2020.
“Monomer.” biology dictionary, 28 April 2017, https://biologydictionary.net/monomer/. Accessed 8 December 2020.
T, Sana. “How does smooth endoplasmic reticulum detoxify?” Socratic Q&A, 10 February 2018, https://socratic.org/questions/how-does-smooth-endoplasmic-reticulum-detoxify. Accessed November 2020.
“Transcription and Translation Lesson Plan.” National Human Genome Research Institute, 13 February 2014, https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/teaching-tools/Transcription-Translation. Accessed November 2020.
Clem and Tai’s Endoplasmic Reticulum Computer
Our model demonstrates the Rough ER. The Rough ER (referred to as simply ‘the ER’ in the rest of this paper) is covered in ribosomes that are responsible for taking Messenger RNA (mRNA) and translating that information into proteins. The ribosomes are here rather than separate from the ER because the next part of their job is easier if they can be near the smooth ER.
This is demonstrated by the upward facing tube. The ball rolled down it symbolizes mRNA and the computer is the ER which receives the information as an email.
The next step is translating that mRNA into proteins. The mRNA now has one side open, and the ER starts placing amino acids into a shape, based off of the mRNA like a manual.. Once the amino acids reach the end of the mRNA chain, they break off and turn into a protein.
This is represented by the email being written onto a list, and the ball continuing down the tube to the head.
The next step is sending the proteins off to the smooth ER, which put simply, is like a shipping center for proteins. It folds and sends them to other parts of the cell in order to get other things happening. Once the ribosomes turn the information on the mRNA into amino acids, then turns those chains into proteins, it sends them off to the Smooth ER and starts the process again.
The Smooth ER is represented by the head which directs and sends the proteins to the rest of the cell, like giving directions to your employees.
In the demonstration, only one ball moves through the system at a time, to avoid too much stress on the tube, but in the actual ER of a cell, mRNA is constantly being brought in, translated into amino acids, and sent to the Smooth ER for processing.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough). Genome.gov (n.d.). Retrieved December 08, 2020