Lesson: Cell Cycle

What is the pattern of changes a cell goes through during its lifetime?

This lesson establishes the themes of cell growth and division. It examines the variety of actions that take place within a cell during its life. It establishes concepts of interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis while also introduces the role of growth factors and meiosis.

#content #criticalthinking #community #collaboration #communication #creativity

Objectives and Vocabulary: #content

BIO.5 The student will investigate and understand common mechanisms of inheritance and protein synthesis. Key concepts include

a) cell growth and division;

Vocabulary

Cell Cycle

Mitosis

Interphase

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

Warm Ups, etc:

Life of A Tree - introduce concepts of reproduction and the difference between growth/development and reproduction. This warm up also reviews concepts of organic chemistry and ecology.

Cell Cycle Review - review concepts of interphase, M-phase and cytokinesis

Lecture Notes: #content

Intro to Cellular Reproduction

Cell Cycle: the series of phases that a cell passes through in its life cycle

- cell theory states “cells come from preexisting cells”

  • Interphase

  • Mitosis

  • Cytokinesis

Interphase- the period where the cell is not actively dividing

- cells spend most of their life in this phase (75%+)

- cells in interphase prepare for mitosis

G1 phase- cell growth

S phase- DNA replication- genes make copies of themselves (Sister Chromatids)

G2 phase- cell prepares for mitosis by making extra organelles

Mitosis- a nucleus divides into two nuclei with all of the genes, new nuclei are identical

Cytokinesis- the cell splits, forms “daughter” cells

Factors influencing cell division:

Cell Surface Area to Volume ratio

Chemicals (growth factors/hormones)

Activities, Assignments, Etc.

Introductory Activity: The Circle of Life - simple diagram showing the processes of meiosis and mitosis as they relate to the human life cycle, growth and development.

- divide diagram between stick figure and zygote and label appropriate sections haploid (N=23), diploid (2N=46), XX and XY on gametes

discuss terms from vocabulary list, preview major themes of unit

Follow up with Egg Fertilization and "Becoming" (a salamander)

Closure - refer to textbook, discuss diagrams, vocabulary and text questions.