Student Activities for Cell Division
Essential Questions for Cell Division
- How do cells divide?
- How is new life made?
- How are the daughter cells different from the parent cells?
Cell Division Background Information
One of the most fascinating things about cells is their ability to make more of themselves. Cell division is a process in which a parent cell divides into two (or more) daughter cells. Eukaryote are a group of organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. The nucleus of the eukaryotic cell contains genetic information that is carried by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules. With the exception of identical twins, everybody's DNA is different. The DNA molecules form into large threads known as chromosomes. The human body has 46 chromosomes, which form 23 pairs. Genes are short sections of DNA and are codes for particular proteins that provide instructions for the order that amino acids are joined together.
Mitosis
Mitosis is a process by which a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. Most of the cell division that occurs in the body involves this process. Mitotic cell division results in an increased number of cells. This increased cell number can allow an organism to grow and get bigger. A baby human has fewer cells than an adult human and this increase comes from mitosis. Mitosis can also produce cells that can be used to replace dead cells, allowing living things to maintain themselves over long periods of time.
The process starts with a parent cell. The cell first produces copies of its DNA, and the copies are connected. These connected copies are known as sister chromatids. In animal cells, the cell will also need to create a copy of an organelle involved in mitosis known as a centrosome.
There are several cell division phases. During the prophase, chromosomes condense. Spindle fibers start to form and will be used to move and organize chromosomes during cell division. The next stage is known as the prometaphase. In this stage, the nuclear envelope starts to break down. The chromosomes finish condensing and are now very tightly packed. Some of the spindle fibers start to attach to the chromosomes. When the spindle fibers have captured the chromosomes, the chromosomes are lined up in the middle of the cell at a point known as the metaphase plate. This phase is known as the metaphase.
After the metaphase, the cell moves into the anaphase. In this stage, the sister chromatids are pulled apart from each other to opposite ends, elongating the cell. Following this is the telophase, where the cell is nearly finished dividing. The spindle fibers break down and two new nuclei are formed. The chromosomes start to return to their uncondensed form. The final stage of the cell splitting, known as cytokinesis can overlap with the anaphase or telophase. Here, the cytoplasm divides to form two new cells. The middle of the cell is pinched together. The indentation of the cell's surface where the pinching occurs is known as the cleavage furrow. These new cells can then go on to divide again, creating even more cells.
Meiosis
Mitosis produces cells which allow us to grow and replace old, worn-out cells. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the process by which gametes (sex cells) are made. Meiosis produces daughter cells which are not genetically identical to the parent cell.
Before meiosis occurs, the chromosomes make copies of themselves. In the prophase I, the chromosomes begin to condense. Unlike the prophase in mitosis, the chromosomes pair up with their homologue partner. The homologous chromosomes then exchange parts during a stage known as "crossing over". This creates new chromosomes with unique alleles. At the end of prophase I, the nuclear envelope starts to break down. The next stage of meiosis is metaphase I, where the chromosome pairs line up at the metaphase plate. They are moved into place by the spindle fibers.
Then, during anaphase I, the homologous pairs are pulled apart to different ends of the cells by the spindle fibers. The sister chromatids stay together, which is different to the mitotic anaphase. After the anaphase I is telophase I. The two newly forming cells are haploid, meaning they contain half the chromosomes of the parent cell. The nuclei start to reform. Cytokinesis occurs and the two cells split and separate. The cells then move into the second part of meiosis. The two daughter cells have one chromosome from each homologous pair. You can think of the second part of meiosis as mitosis of a haploid cell.
In prophase II, the chromosomes condense and spindle fibers start to form. During metaphase II, the spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes. The chromosomes are lined up along the center of the cell at a point known as the metaphase plate. Then, during anaphase II, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell and the cell elongates. In telophase II nuclear membranes form and the chromosomes become less tightly packed. A process known as cytokinesis then separates the cells. This process creates four haploid daughter cells from one parent cell.
When a sperm cell and egg cell meet the fuse together, this is called fertilization. The two cells form a zygote, which has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), 23 chromosomes come from the sperm cell and 23 comes from the egg cell. A zygote has the same number of chromosomes as the other body cells.
Other Ideas for Cell Division Activities
- Students create a T-Chart to compare mitosis and meiosis.
- Students research and produce a poster on how cell division in plant cells is different to animal cells.
How to Design and Conduct Simple Experiments to Observe Cell Division, Such as Using Prepared Slides or Onion Root Tips
Plan the Experiment
Review the learning objectives and select an appropriate experiment to observe cell division. Determine whether to use prepared slides or onion root tips. Gather the necessary materials, such as microscope slides, coverslips, a microscope, and staining solutions if desired.
Introduce the Experiment
Introduce the experiment to students, explaining its purpose and how it relates to the study of cell division. Provide background information on mitosis or meiosis, depending on the experiment, and its importance in growth and reproduction.
Demonstrate the Procedure
Demonstrate the procedure step by step, emphasizing proper techniques for handling slides and using the microscope. Explain any safety considerations, such as the use of staining solutions or handling sharp tools.
Assign Roles and Prepare Materials
Assign roles to students, such as slide preparers, microscope operators, data recorders, and observers. Distribute materials and ensure students understand their responsibilities and the procedures they need to follow.
Facilitate the Experiment
Supervise students as they conduct the experiment. Provide guidance and support, addressing any questions or issues that arise. Encourage collaboration and discussion among students as they make observations and record data.
Reflect and Analyze Data
Facilitate a class discussion after the experiment. Encourage students to share their observations, compare results, and analyze the data collected. Help students draw connections between their findings and the stages and processes of cell division.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cell Division
Can Storyboard That be used to understand cell division better?
Yes, Storyboard That can be a great resource to visually illustrate and understand the complex processes of mitosis and meiosis. Students can use the platform to create a series of images depicting each stage of cell division, providing a clear and engaging learning experience.
What are some of the activities that students can do to understand cell division better?
To understand cell division better, students can create a T-Chart to compare mitosis and meiosis. They can also research and produce a poster on how cell division in plant cells is different from animal cells.
How can the topic of cell division be incorporated into a lesson plan?
The topic of cell division can be incorporated into a lesson plan through various activities and discussions. Students can engage in hands-on experiments, such as observing cell division under a microscope or creating models to represent the stages of mitosis and meiosis. Additionally, interactive simulations and online resources can be utilized to enhance understanding and provide visual representations of the processes.
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