Dive inside a plant cell in Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology worker placement game!

Get notified of the Kickstarter launch HERE!

Game Description: Cellulose is a “worker placement” game set inside a plant cell. Players take turns activating organelles that contribute to the function and health of the cell. They will compete for limited access to water and other resources, carry out photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates, and release plant growth hormones to grow their plant’s roots and shoots, giving them better access to resources on future turns. Players score points for turning carbohydrates into cellulose to build the cell wall, for contributing water to the central vacuole, and for constructing cell components such as enzymes, starches, and protein storage vacuoles. The game continues until the cell wall is completed, and the player with the most points is the winner.

Type of Game: Worker placement, area control

Science Concepts: Xylem, stomata, chloroplast, cell wall, mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, DNA polymerase, rubisco, cellulose synthase, GH3 synthase, lipase, vacuolar processing enzyme, amylase, protein storage vacuole, starch, aquaporin, cytokinin receptors, gibberellin receptors, seed embryos

Age: 14+

Players: 1 - 5

Gameplay: 45 - 90 min

Cellulose is played over a series of Rounds (days), each with the following 3 phases:

Sunrise — In the Sunrise Phase, players collect Water and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) resources according to the Plant Board. Throughout the game, you will have the chance to advance along the Plant Board Tracks and play cards in order to increase the resources and other bonuses you receive each Sunrise.

Daytime — During the Daytime Phase, players take turns placing their Action Markers on Action Spaces and immediately taking the corresponding actions. Action Spaces are limited, so you must choose carefully, knowing that other players might take the best spots earlier and block your options for the Round. Action Spaces allow you to collect resources, convert between different types of resources, advance along the Shoot Growth and Root Growth tracks on the Plant Board, contribute to building the Cell Wall, and collect Cell Component Cards. Additionally, whenever you place an Action Marker, you may pay the cost to complete 1 Cell Component Card from your hand and gain any immediate bonuses.

Evening — After all players have placed all of their Action Markers, several cleanup steps occur in the Evening Phase before the next Round begins.