AP BIOLOGY NAME_____________________

CELL UNIT
ACTIVITY#7 DATE___________HOUR_____

CELL CYCLE

INTRODUCTION

The nuclei in cells of eukaryotic organisms contain chromosomes with clusters of

genes, discrete units of hereditary information consisting of double-stranded DNA.
Structural proteins in the chromosomes organize the DNA and participate in DNA
folding and condensation. When cells divide, chromosomes and genes are
duplicated and passed onto daughter cells. Single-celled organisms divide for
reproduction. Multicellular organisms have reproductive cells (eggs and sperm),
but they also have somatic (body) cells that divide for growth or reproduction.

In body cells and single-celled organisms, the nucleus divides by mitosis into two
daughter nuclei, which have the same number of chromosomes and the same
genes as the parent cell. Division of the nucleus is generally followed by division of
the cytoplasm (cytokinesis).

Events from the beginning of one cell division to the beginning of the next are
collectively called the cell cycle. The cell cycle is divided into four stages: G1, S,
G2, and M. In interphase (G1, S, G2) DNA replication and most of the cell’s growth
and biochemical activity take place. The M stage represents the division of the
nucleus and cytoplasm.

PART I – ANIMAL CELL CYCLE

INTERPHASE

During interphase, a cell performs its specific functions. Liver cells produce bile;
intestinal cells absorb nutrients; pancreatic cells secrete enzymes; skin cells
produce keratin. Interphase consists of three stages, G1, S, and G2, which begin as
a cell division ends. As interphase begins, the cytoplasm in each cell is
approximately half the amount present before division. Each new cell has a nucleus
that is surrounded by a nuclear envelope and contains chromosomes in an
uncoiled state. In this uncoiled state, the mass of DNA and protein is called
chromatin. Throughout interphase one or more dark, round bodies, called
nucleoli, are visible in the nucleus. Two centrioles are located just outside the
nucleus.

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 1

1. Color the following parts on the
diagram at the right:

F Centrioles (A)
F Cell Membrane (B)
F Cytoplasm (C)
F Nuclear Envelope (D)
F Nucleolus (E)
F Chromatin (F)

In the gap 1 (G1) phase, the cytoplasmic mass increases and will continue to do so
throughout interphase. Proteins are synthesized, new organelles are formed, and
some organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, grow and divide in two.

During the synthesis (S) phase, the chromosomes replicate. This involves
replication of the DNA and associated proteins. Each chromosome is now described
as double-stranded and each strand is called a sister chromatid.

During the gap 2 ( G2 ) phase, in addition to continuing cell activities, cells prepare
for mitosis. Enzymes and other proteins necessary for cell division are synthesized
during this phase. At the end of G2 the centrioles divide and begin to move to
opposite poles (sides) of the cell. Also, microtubules are organized around the
centrioles. The centriole with its microtubules is referred to as the aster. The
centrioles are located in an area called the centrosomes or microtubule organizing
centers.

2. List the three phases of interphase and briefly describe what happens during
each phase.

Phase Description

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M PHASE (MITOSIS AND CYTOKINESIS)

In the M phase, the nucleus and cytoplasm divide. Nuclear division is called
mitosis. Cytoplasmic division is called cytokinesis. Mitosis is divided into four
phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

EARLY PROPHASE

Prophase begins when chromatin begins to coil and condense (become shorter and
thicker). At this time they become visible in the light microscope. Centrioles
continue to move to opposite poles of the cell, and as they do so, a fibrous,
rounded structure tapering toward each end, called a spindle, begins to form
between them. As prophase continues, the nucleoli disassemble.

3. Color the following parts on the

diagram at the right:

F Centrioles (A)
F Cell Membrane (B)
F Nuclear Envelope (D)
F Asters (G)
F Spindle (H)
F Chromatid (I)
F Chromatid (J)
F Centromere (K)

4. Briefly describe what happens during early prophase.

Early
Prophase

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LATE PROPHASE (PROMETAPHASE)

As prophase continues, the chromatin forms clearly defined chromosomes that

consist of two chromatids joined together at the centromere. As the spindle
continues to form, the nuclear envelope breaks apart. The spindle is made of
microtubules organized into fibers. Some of the spindle fibers attach to the
chromosomes in the kinetochore region of the centromere. These microtubules
are referred to as kinetochore microtubules. The kinetochore microtubules
move the chromosomes to the equation (metaphase plate) of the cell. Kinetochore
and nonkinetochore microtubules make up the spindle fibers. The centrioles are at
opposite poles and with the spindle fibers extending between them.

5. Color the following parts on the

diagram at the right:

F Centrioles (A)
F Cell Membrane (B)
F Asters (G)
F Spindle (H)
F Chromatid (I)
F Chromatid (J)
F Centromere (K)

5. Briefly describe what happens during late prophase.

Late
Prophase
(Prometaphase)

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 4

METAPHASE

In metaphase, double-stranded chromosomes line up at the center of the cell with

the centromeres aligned along the equator (metaphase plate) of the cell.

7. Color the following parts on the

diagram at the right:

F Centrioles (A)
F Cell Membrane (B)
F Asters (G)
F Spindle (H)
F Chromatid (I)
F Chromatid (J)
F Centromere (K)

8. Briefly describe what happens during metaphase.

Metaphase

ANAPHASE

Anaphase begins when the centromeres “break” and move apart. Each chromatid
is now called a chromosome. The kinetochore microtubules shorten at the point
of attachment within the centromere. This shortening results in the movement of
the chromosomes toward the poles of the cell. Anaphase ends as the chromosomes
reach the poles.

9. Color the following parts on the

diagram at the right:

F Centrioles (A)
F Cell Membrane (B)
F Spindle (H)
F Chromosome (I)
F Chromosome (J)
F Centromere (K)

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 5

10. Briefly describe what happens during anaphase.

Anaphase

TELOPHASE/CYTOKINESIS

As chromosomes reach the poles, anaphase ends and telophase begins. The
nonkinetochore microtubules elongate the cell. Chromosomes begin to uncoil. A
nuclear envelope forms around each new cluster of chromosomes and the nucleoli
reform. Telophase ends when the nuclear envelopes are complete. The end of
telophase marks the end of nuclear division, or mitosis. Sometime during
telophase, the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate cells (cytokinesis)
begins. During cytokinesis in animal cells, a cleavage furrow (a shallow groove)
forms at the equator. A contractile ring consisting of actin microfilaments forms
along the metaphase place. As the ring contracts, the diameter of the cell at the
metaphase plate decreases and the cell is pinched in two.

11. Color the following parts on the diagram below:

F Centrioles (A) F Chromosomes (I)

F Cell Membrane (B) F Chromosomes (J)
F Nuclear Envelope (D) F Cleavage Furrow (hand)
F Nucleolus (E)

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 6

12. Briefly describe what happens during telophase and cytokinesis.

Telophase

Cytokinesis

PART II: COMPARING PLANT AND ANIMAL CELL MITOSIS

13. Obtain a set of Mitosis Pictures from the Supply Area.

14. Examine the pictures comparing Plant and Animal Cell Mitosis

15. What are the major differences between mitosis in animal cells and mitosis in
plant cells?

Animal Cell Mitosis Plant Cell Mitosis

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 7

16. For each picture the Mitotic Phase Identification Cards, determine the phase
represented in the picture and indicate if the cell is plant or animal.

Slide Animal or Slide Animal or

Mitotic Phase Mitotic Phase
# Plant # Plant

1 7

2 8

3 9

4 10

5 11

6 12

PART III: TIME FOR CELL REPRODUCTION

It is hard to imagine that you can estimate how much time a cell spends in each
phase of cell replication from a slide of dead cells. Yet this is precisely what you
will do in this part of the activity. You will count the number of cells in each phase
and they infer the percent of time each cell spends in each phase.

17. Examine the cells in Microscopic Field #1 of the Time for Mitosis Pictures.
Determine the cell cycle phase for each cell present in the field of view.
Record the numbers in the Time for Mitosis Data Table.

18. Repeat step 17 for each of the eight microscopic fields.

19. Calculate the total number of cells in each phase and the total number of
cells viewed. Record the totals in the Time for Mitosis Data Table.

20. Calculate the percentage of cells in each phase.

21. It takes, on average, 24 hours (1,440 minutes) for onion root-tip cells to
complete the cell cycle. Using this information you can calculate the amount
of time spent in each phase of the cell cycle using the percent of cells in that
stage. (Percent of cells in phase times 1,440 minutes). Calculate the time
spent in each phase and record your results in the data table.

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 8

Time for Mitosis Data Table

# of Cells # of Cells # of Cells # of Cells # of Cells

Field in in in in in
Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase

Total

% of Total
Cells
Counted
Time in
Each
Phase

22. Based on the data you collected, what can you infer about the relative length
of time an onion root-tip cell spends in each stage of cell division?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 9

PART IV: QUESTIONS

23. Use the drawings below to answer the questions that follow.

A D
C

K
H

I J

a. What mitotic phase is shown in cell A?____________________________

b. What mitotic phase is shown in cells B, C, D, and E?_________________

c. What mitotic phase is shown in cell F?____________________________

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 10

 d. What mitotic phase is shown in cells G and H?______________________

e. What mitotic phase is shown in cells I and J?_______________________

f. What mitotic phase is shown in cell K?____________________________

24. Are the cells pictured in Question 23 animal or plant?___________________

How do you know?______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

25. In what way are the newly formed cells, which result from mitosis, similar to
the mother cell?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How are they new cells different?

_____________________________________________________________

26. Why is it necessary for DNA to replicate before mitosis begins?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

27. Examine the diagrams below.

Cell #1 Cell #2 Cell #3 Cell #4

Name the structure indicated by letter a in cell #1._____________________

Name the structure indicated by letter b in cell #3._____________________

Name the structure indicated by letter c in cell #4._____________________

What is the correct order of the diagrams?____________________________

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 11

28. Match the structure with the correct letter from the diagram.

______ Cell Membrane

______ Centromere

______ Centriole

______ Chromosome

______ Aster

______ Kinetochore
microtubules
______ Nonkinetochore
microtubule

29. Match the description/event with the correct mitotic phase. Use the key
below to indicate your answers.

A = Anaphase M = Metaphase
P = Prophase PM = Prometaphase
T = Telophase

______ Nucleoli disappear

______ Chromatin coils & folds (condenses)

______ Mitotic spindle forms

______ Centrosomes separate and move to opposite poles of cell

______ Nuclear envelope fragments

______ Kinetochore microtubules attach to kinetochores

______ Chromosomes move to metaphase plate

______ Centromeres of each chromosome “break” and move apart

______ Sister chromatids separate and are referred to as chromosomes

______ Spindle fibers move the chromosomes to opposite poles

______ Nonkinetochore microtubules elongate the cell

______ Daughter nuclei form at each pole

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 ______ Nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes

______ Nucleoli reappear

______ Chromatin uncoils (decondenses)

______ Chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate

30. Match the event or description with the correct cell cycle phase.

______ Mitosis

______ DNA replication

______ Cytokinesis

______ Cell grows in size

______ Organelles replicate

______ Interphase

______ Division of nuclear contents

______ Division of cytoplasm

______ G1 (gap 1)

______ G2 (gap 2)

______ S phase

______ Cell prepares for cell division

______ Prophase

______ Anaphase

______ Metaphase

______ Telophase

______ Chromosomes condense (coil and fold)

______ Chromosomes uncoil

______ Chromosomes pulled to opposite poles of cell

______ Chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 13

31. What directs the sequential events of the cell cycle?

_____________________________________________________________

32. What is the significance or importance of the checkpoints in the cell cycle?

_____________________________________________________________

33. For many cells, what seems to be the most important checkpoint?

_____________________________________________________________

What happens to the cell if it meets the requirements of this checkpoint?

_____________________________________________________________

What happens to the cell if it fails to meet the requirements of this

checkpoint?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

34. Define or describe each of the following:

Protein
Kinase

Cyclin

Cdks

MPF

35. Explain how MPF is involved in the control of the cell cycle.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

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36. Describe how the concentration of each of the following changes during the
cell cycle:

Cdk

Cyclin

MPF

37. What is the role of proteolytic enzymes in the cell cycle?

_____________________________________________________________

38. What internal and external cues help regulate the cell cycle?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

39. Define or describe the following:

Growth Factor

Density-
dependent
Inhibition

Anchorage
Dependence

Cell Unit Activity #7 page 15

40. How are cancer cells different from normal cells?

Cancer Cells Normal Cells

41. Define the following:

Transformation

Tumor

Benign Tumor

Malignant Tumor

Metastasis

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