Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Explore the Cell Cycle

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This simulation uses an interactive model of the cell cycle to demonstrate the growth and maintenance of eukaryotic cells. Students can stop the cycle to observe and read about what is happening to the cell at each stage. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Gap Project.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Biology

    SC15.BIO.4

    Develop and use models to explain the role of the cell cycle during growth and maintenance in multicellular organisms (e.g., normal growth and/or uncontrolled growth resulting in tumors).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.BIO.4

    Vocabulary

    • Cell cycle
    • Chromosome
    • Somatic cell
    • Chromatin
    • Spindle fibers
    • Kinetochore microtubules
    • Centrioles
    • Centrosome
    • Centromere
    • Sister chromatids
    • Mitosis
    • Prometaphase
    • Prophase
    • Metaphase
    • Metaphase plate
    • Anaphase
    • Telophase
    • Cytokinesis
    • Cell plate
    • Cleavage furrow
    • Interphase
    • S phase
    • G1
    • G2
    • Growth
    • Maintenance
    • Checkpoints
    • Signaling factors

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • The phases of the cell cycle (Interphase-G1, S, and G2 phases, Mitosis and cytokenisis), the amount of time spent in each cycle and what occurs during each cycle.
    • The process of cell cycle regulation.
    • Mechanisms, checkpoints and signaling factor molecules that regulate the cell cycle.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Generate a graphic illustrating the amount of time a cell spends in each phase of the cell cycle.
    • Observe video, image or microscope slide and identify cells in each phase, relative abundance, and estimate the time spent in each phase.
    • Obtain and communicate information about the relationship between the cell cycle and the growth and maintenance of an organism.
    • Illustrate chromosome behavior during mitosis using chromosome models.
    • Distinguish between replicated and un-replicated chromosomes.
    • Demonstrate the events and cellular processes involved in each stage of mitosis.
    • Investigate the impact of errors in the process of cell division.
    • Identify the basic mechanisms, checkpoints, and general categories of signaling factor molecules (both internal and external).
    • Relate errors in control mechanisms to uncontrolled cell growth (cancer).

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • The cell cycle is necessary for growth and maintenance in multi-cellular organisms.
    • Mitosis only makes somatic (body) cells.
    • Errors in control mechanisms within the cell cycle lead to uncontrolled cell growth (cancer).

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Developing and Using Models

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Systems and System Models

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    • use a digital model to explain the role of the cell cycle.
    • describe each phase of the cell cycle.
    • compare the time the cell spends in mitosis to interphase.

    Activity Details

    1. Students begin by playing the interactive simulation of the cell cycle.

    2. Students click on each stage of the cell cycle beginning with interphase and ending with mitosis and observe what is happening in the cell at each point.

    3. Students will complete the diagram worksheet of the cell cycle provided in the Assessment Strategy.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    Complete the free Cell Cycle Worksheet

    Variation Tips

    Students draw their own diagram describing the cell cycle and the phases of mitosis.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    Students should have a brief introduction to mitosis and meiosis. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

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