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We have an explanation for all [[:Category:Comics|'''{{#expr:{{PAGESINCAT:Comics|R}}-13}}''' xkcd comics]],
 
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and only {{PAGESINCAT:Incomplete articles|R}}
 
and only {{PAGESINCAT:Incomplete articles|R}}
 
({{#expr: {{PAGESINCAT:Incomplete articles|R}} / {{LATESTCOMIC}} * 100 round 0}}%) [[:Category:Incomplete articles|are incomplete]]. Help us finish them!
 
({{#expr: {{PAGESINCAT:Incomplete articles|R}} / {{LATESTCOMIC}} * 100 round 0}}%) [[:Category:Incomplete articles|are incomplete]]. Help us finish them!

Revision as of 16:11, 20 August 2013

Welcome to the explain xkcd wiki!

We have an explanation for all 2 xkcd comics, and only 0 (0%) are incomplete. Help us finish them!

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Cell Organelles
It's believed that Golgi was originally an independent organism who was eventually absorbed into our cells, where he began work on his Apparatus.
Title text: It's believed that Golgi was originally an independent organism who was eventually absorbed into our cells, where he began work on his Apparatus.

Explanation

Ambox notice.png This explanation may be incomplete or incorrect: Created by a GOLGI ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.

The comic depicts a cell diagram with a mix of real and fictional organelles, blending accurate biological terms with misplaced or absurd labels. While it includes actual cell components like the nucleus, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus, it also inserts unrelated concepts from various fields such as geology, engineering, software, and pop culture. Terms like "Evil Endoplasmic Reticulum" and "Sticky Endoplasmic Reticulum" add a whimsical twist to familiar scientific terms. The comic plays on the complexity and diversity of cell structures by mixing in unrelated and humorous terms, highlighting the often confusing and intricate nature of scientific diagrams with clever wordplay and cross-disciplinary jokes.

Label Meaning Joke explanation
Carbonation The process of dissolving carbon dioxide in a liquid. Misplaced chemistry term; not part of a cell.
Cellophane A thin, transparent sheet made of regenerated cellulose. Misplaced packaging material term; not part of a cell.
Chloroplasts if you're lucky Organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis. Actual cell organelles, only found in plant cells; humorous implication of rarity.
Drain Plug A stopper for a drain. Misplaced plumbing term; not part of a cell.
Evil Endoplasmic Reticulum Not a real term. A humorous twist on the actual endoplasmic reticulum, implying a malevolent version.
Golgi Refers to the Golgi apparatus, involved in packaging and transport of proteins. Actual cell organelle.
Golgi Apparatus A complex of vesicles and folded membranes involved in secretion and intracellular transport. Actual cell organelle.
Human Skin The outer covering of the human body. Misplaced anatomical term; not part of a cell.
Hypoallergenic Filling Materials that do not cause allergic reactions. Misplaced consumer product term; not part of a cell.
Lithosphere The rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle. Misplaced geological term; not part of a cell.
Mantle The layer of the earth between the crust and the core. Misplaced geological term; not part of a cell.
Midichlorians Fictional microorganisms in the Star Wars universe that confer Force sensitivity. Misplaced fictional term; not part of a cell.
Mitochondria Organelles that generate energy for the cell. Actual cell organelles, known as the "powerhouse of the cell."
Natural Flavor Flavoring derived from natural sources. Misplaced food industry term; not part of a cell.
Norton Antivirus A software product designed to protect computers from malware. Misplaced software term; not part of a cell.
Nucleolus A small dense spherical structure in the nucleus of a cell during interphase. Actual cell organelle, involved in ribosome production.
Nucleoloulous Not a real term. A humorous exaggeration of "nucleolus."
Nucleus The central and most important part of an object, forming the basis for its activity and growth. Actual cell organelle, houses genetic material.
Nucleons Protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. Misplaced physics term; not part of a cell.
O-Ring A mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus; used to seal connections. Misplaced engineering term; not part of a cell.
Pith The central tissue in plants, used for nutrient transport. Misplaced botanical term; not part of a cell.
Pleiades A cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus. Misplaced astronomical term; not part of a cell.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes attached, involved in protein synthesis. Actual cell organelle.
Seeds Plant embryos used for reproduction. Misplaced botanical term; not part of a cell.
Slime A moist, soft, and slippery substance. Misplaced term; could refer to a general texture or appearance, not specific to cells.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum A network of tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the cell, involved in the transport of materials. Just a standard term for the smooth variant of endoplasmic reticulum.
Sticky Endoplasmic Reticulum Not a real term. A humorous twist on the actual endoplasmic reticulum, implying it is sticky.
Ventricle A chamber of the heart that pumps blood out. Misplaced anatomical term; not part of a cell.
Vitreous Humour The clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eyeball. Misplaced anatomical term; not part of a cell.
Weak Spot A vulnerable point. Misplaced concept, implying the cell has a single weak point like in a video game.

Transcript

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