# Cell Toy

> Interactive simulation of cellular processes for educational purposes. (iPhone/iPad app by Kyle McClary.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cell-toy/id1596653706 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Kyle McClary](https://appshunter.io/developer/1505017820)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 65 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-11-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cell-toy/id1596653706/reviews.md

## What is Cell Toy?

The Cell Toy works like a Rube Goldberg machine, much like our own cells do – i.e., each step must be activated by a specific precursor. The glucose can’t enter the cell until the GLUT transporters, referred to as “sugar tunnels,” are created; and the glucose can only be converted to ATP by running into “sugar converters,” which represent glycolysis and respiration enzymes. Eventually, once enough ATP is created, you can activate the GLP1R pathway (in green, “2 - Activate Production”) to start generating insulin inside the cell. In part 3 (orange, “Ionize & Release”) you can create calcium transporters to bring the ions into the cell, which cause the insulin to be released. I guess that’s how you “win” lol… it’s probably more of an interactive teaching tool than a game, but I’m sure you’ll get the gist.

At the beginning, the cell is filled with colored triangular prisms represent transcription factors. The transcription factors are activated by pressing their corresponding buttons on the left side panel and once activated they move toward the nucleus. When a transcription factor enters the nucleus, its corresponding mRNA is created, which is represented by a flat and folded shape that shares the same color as the transcription factor that led to its creation. Once the mRNA runs into the purple ribosomes, shaped like pyramids, the mRNA is converted to its corresponding enzyme. Each enzyme has a particular function in the Cell Toy whether it’s converting glucose, transferring signals, importing new molecules, etc. If you add all the right ingredients, you make insulin.

## Key features

- Simulates cellular transport and molecular pathways
- Interactive Rube Goldberg-like mechanics
- Teaches transcription and translation
- Explains ATP production and insulin generation
- Visualizes enzyme and transcription factor functions


## Frequently asked questions about Cell Toy

### What is Cell Toy?

Cell Toy is an interactive educational tool that simulates cellular processes. It functions like a Rube Goldberg machine, where each step must be activated by a specific precursor to achieve a goal, such as generating insulin.

### How does Cell Toy teach about cells?

The app visualizes complex biological concepts like glucose transport, ATP production, transcription, translation, and insulin release. Users activate transcription factors and build molecular pathways to understand these processes.

### Is Cell Toy a game?

While it has interactive elements, Cell Toy is described as more of an interactive teaching tool than a traditional game. The objective is to understand and manipulate cellular mechanisms to achieve specific outcomes.

### What cellular processes are simulated in Cell Toy?

Cell Toy simulates glucose transport via GLUT transporters, ATP production through glycolysis and respiration, GLP1R pathway activation, and insulin release triggered by calcium ions. It also models transcription factor activation, mRNA creation, and enzyme synthesis.

### What is the learning methodology of Cell Toy?

The app employs a hands-on, simulation-based learning approach. Users actively engage with the virtual cell by creating molecules and activating pathways, reinforcing learning through direct interaction and observation.

### Does Cell Toy track user progress?

The provided description does not mention specific progress tracking features. However, the interactive nature of the simulation allows users to see the direct results of their actions in building cellular pathways.

### What devices is Cell Toy available on?

Cell Toy is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for users on Apple's mobile ecosystem.

### Does Cell Toy have ads?

No, Cell Toy does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free application.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 0.1 — 2021-11-22

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Cell Toy

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [CBC Highlands](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cbc-highlands/id1475147920) | 4.3 (6) | Free | Education |
| [ANZAC Correspondent](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anzac-correspondent/id1469171280) | — | Free | Education |
| [Victoria International Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/victoria-international-schools/id1480979200) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education |
| [영 단어즙](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1480979760) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education |
| [Solis USA States and Capitals](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solis-usa-states-and-capitals/id1479512480) | — | Free | Education |
| [The New School App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-new-school-app/id1474388180) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Education |

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-25.*