Ateneo de Zamboanga University

The Jesuit University in Western Mindanao, Philippines

Since 1912
Senior High School
General Biology 1

Name/s: Filoteo, Racy Caz Group #:1

Section: 12 STEM Saccheri
Lukman, Aljona
Date Performed: 09/04/2024
Pineda, Thrufinale
Planas, Rolando
Rico, Julianna

ACTIVITY #2
Mitosis and Meiosis

I. OBJECTIVES

a. To examine both the prepared specimen (allium cepa and onion cells)
and identify and label the stages of mitosis observed under a microscope.
b. To differentiate the various stages between Meiosis I and Meiosis II with the
use of illustration and explanation.
c. To be able to conclude and grasp the significance of the concepts of
mitosis and meiosis.

II. INTRODUCTION

Mitosis, the cell division process that produces two daughter cells with the same
DNA composition, is necessary for tissue growth and repair. As a way of contrast,
meiosis is a specific type of cell division that produces four genetically distinct
gametes and is essential to sexual reproduction. Additionally, gaining a understanding
of the meiosis and mitosis processes is essential to understanding the growth,
development, and reproduction of organisms. Learning about these processes is
important not only for concept but also for real-world applications in agriculture,
biology, and medicine.

In this laboratory experiment, the group was tasked to examine the provided
specimen, prepared slides cell (allium cepa) and examining the onion cells that were
stained with acetocarmine in order for the group to gain an insights on how the
various stages of mitosis are formed. Furthermore, the group was also tasked to identify
and differentiate the stages of Meiosis I and Meiosis II to gain an insight on how these
individualistic processes differ from each other through the use of illustration and
explanation. This hands-on experiment improved our understanding of the basic
fundamentals of cell division and the differentiation between the two cell cycles
mitosis and meiosis.
III. DATA AND RESULTS

PART I: Examining Onion Cells

Before observing, the group had to follow procedures of staining onion cells with acetocarmine in order for
them to further analyse and evaluate the process of mitosis observed under a microscope.

ILLUSTRATION ANALYSIS FINDINGS

Based on initial observation of the
original photo, in 100x magnification, the
stained onion cells structure and its
detailed components were vague and
unclear. This limits further making of
conclusions on how mitosis processes in
this type of specimen.
The findings that were found online
showcases that there is a presence of
cell division undergoing. As shown from
the online observation; it may be
describes as strands of individual
compartment is shown, each
compartment has a specific stage of
mitosis undergoing. Furthermore, in order
for the students observe the stages of
mitosis undergoing, acetocarmine was
utilized, as it is a DNA specific stain like
feulgen stain, so the super coiled
chromosomes during different stages of
mitosis present in the onion root tip cells
can be visualized perfectly by treating
with this stain.
Comparing these findings and from
online, it is certain that there may be
external factors that happened during
Specimen: Onion Cells the observation of the specimen.
Total Magnification: 100x External factors may include the
adjustment of the coarse focus knob or
the fine focus knob. It may also include
the lighting where the microscope is
placed at, as light is needed in order for
a researcher to observe the specimen
clearly. Furthermore it may also be due
to improper doing of procedure that
was given to the student, such as
process of applying the acetocarmine
stain, pressing down the root tip, or the
slides.
Increasing the magnification to
400x, the stained onion cells structure
and its detailed components are still
unclear and vague. This makes the
group unsure on how they will be
evaluating their observations to make
critical assessment.
Basing this off from gathering
sources online, they observed the
specific mitotic stages and gathered
accurate pictures to represent each
stage. Furthermore, if we were to
describe it from prior knowledge, it
represents the stages accurately.
Comparing these findings to the
observation that was made, it is for
certain that there may be external
factors were the cause for the vague
Specimen: Onion Cells and unclear observation that was
made. These external factors may
Total Magnification: 400x
include improper procedure, the
adjustment of the microscope like the
focus fine knob and the coarse fine
knob. Dim lighting can also be a
contributing factor to why the
observation was vague.
Figure Table 1. Examining Onion Cells
 PART II. Examining Prepared Slides Cells
The researchers were then tasked to observed prepared slides cells, specifically Allium cepa (mitosis) to
differentiate the stages of mitosis from the previous slides cell (onion cells) under the microscope.

ILLUSTRATION ANALYSIS FINDINGS

In 100x magnification, the
observations that were made had a
similarity in terms of structure, and
detail comparing it to what was
found online. Furthermore, the
observation were clear enough for
the group to evaluate and to make
conclusions of the specimen.

Comparing from the information

that was gathered online, it is clear
that there is a clear distinction when
it comes to color and structure.
Specifically when it comes to its
intricate details. A possible
enhancement by possibly adjusting
Specimen: Allium Cepa (Mitosis) the focus fine knob or coarse fine
knob to look at if there are more
Total Magnification: 100x
details that can seen in the
provided cell.
Increasing the magnification to
400x, there are now visible little
particles in a intricate pattern
having in each compartment.
Comparing it to the findings in the
internet however, there is more
precise details observed, especially
each stage of mitosis.

As shown in the illustration that

was seen under the microscope
while observing the given
specimen”Allium Cepa”. It was
a bit blurred and the students
were not able to see the
different distinctions and
structure unlike the picture
Specimen: Allium Cepa (Mitosis)
found in the internet, it is much
Total Magnification: 400x
detailed in terms of observing
the structure of the allium cepa.
In order to enhance the quality
of the specimen the srudents
should utilize and adjust the
magnification that is
appropriate for examining the
specimen
Figure Table 2. Examining Prepared Slides Cells
 Part III. Meiosis

Meiosis, the production of gametes—sex cells, or sperm and eggs. Its goal is to make daughter cells
with exactly half as many chromosomes as the starting cell. To put that another way, meiosis in humans is a
division process that takes us from a diploid cell—one with two sets of chromosomes—to haploid cells—ones
with a single set of chromosomes.
Meiosis in a way is a lot like mitosis, however, in meisosis, the cell goes through a more complex
process. This process still needs to separate sister chromosomes, as in mitsosis, but this process must also
separate homologous chromosomes, the similar but non-identical chromosome pairs an organism receives
from its two parents.
Additionally, as mentioned before; meiosis is more complex compared to mitosis. This is due to
meiosis have to achieve a two-step division process. Homologous pairs of chromosomes begin to separate
during a first round of cell division, called meiosis I. Sister chromatids separate during a second round, called
meiosis II.

MEIOSIS I
Before entering meiosis I, a cell must first go through the process of interphase. Same as mitosis such as the cell
grows during G1 phase, copies all of its chromosomes during S phase, and prepares for division during G2 phase.
PHASE ILLUSTRATION OF EVENT DESCRIPTION
During prophase I, the chromosomes begin to condense
and the beginning of synapsis occurs. Synapsis is the
process of pairing of homologous chromosomes. The
pairs of each replicated chromosomes are known as
sister chromatids and they remain joined at a central
point called the centromere. Each chromosomes
carefully aligns with its homologue partner in order the
two to match up at corresponding positions along their
full length. In this phase, a large structured called the
meiotic spindle also forms from long proteins called
microtubules on each pole of the cell. Additionally, as
meiotic spindle form, the nucleolus disappears, and the
nuclear envelope disintegrates. Between prophase I and
metaphase I, the pairs of homologous chromosomes form
tetrads. Within the tetrad, any pair of chromatid arms can
overlap and fuse in a process called crossing-over or
Prophase I Illustration 1 Crossing Over recombination.

In the illustration provided, the labels A, B, and C

represents genes found at particular spots on the
chromosome, with capital and lowercase letters for
different forms or alleles, of each gene. As the DNA is
broken at the same spot on each homologue—here,
between genes B and C—and reconnected in a criss-
cross pattern so that the homologues exchange part of
their DNA.
 This process is called crossing over or recombination. With
the help of a protein structure called synaptonemal
complex, the homologues pairs are being held together,
and be positioned on top of the other. As shown in the
image. Additionally, chiasmata keep the homologues
connected to each other after the synaptonemal
complex breaks down, so each homologous pairs need
Illustration 1.1 Synaptonemal at least one.
Complex
After the process of crossing over, the spindle fibers begins to attach to the chromosomes
and move towards the center of the cell, or the metaphase/equatorial plate. Similarly with
mitosis, but each chromosomes attaches to the microtubules from just one pole of the
spindle, and the two homologue of a pair bind to microtubules from opposite poles.
During metaphase I, the homologue pairs line up at the metaphase/equatorial plate for
separation.

When the homologous pairs line up at the metaphase/equatorial plate, the orientation of
each pair is random. For reference, in the drawing, the pink version of the big
Metaphase I chromosome and the purple of the little chromosome happen to be position towards the
same pole and go into the same cell. But the orientation could have equally well been
flipped, so that both purple chromosomes went into the cell together. This allows for the
formation of gametes with different sets of homologous pairs.
In anaphase I, the homologous pairs are then pulled apart and move to the opposite ends
Anaphase I of the cell. The sister chromatids of each chromosome however, remain attached to one
another and do not come apart.
Finally, in telophase I, the chromosomes arrive at the opposite poles of the cell. The
nuclear membrane reforms and the chromosomes decondense. Additionally, during
telophase I, as the chromosomes are now enclosed in nuclei, the cell now undergoes a
process of cytokinesis. Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm of the original cell into
two daughter cells. Each daughter cell is now haploid and has only one set of
Telophase I chromosomes, or half the total number of chromosomes of the original cell. As the cell
finished cytokinesis, it is now prepared to undergo another round of division called meiosis
II.
Figure Table 3. The process of meiosis I

MEIOSIS II
Cells move from meiosis I to meiosis II without the addition of copying their DNA. Meiosis II is a shorter and
simpler process than meiosis I. The cells that enter meiosis II are the same ones that were in meiosis I. These cells
are now haploid—having just one chromosome from each homologue pair— but their chromosomes still
consists of two sister chromatids. In meiosis II, the sister chromatids separate, making haploid cells with non
duplicated chromosomes.

PHASE DESCRIPTION
During prophase II, chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. The
centrosomes move apart, the spindle fibers forms between them and the spindle
microtubles begin to attach to the chromosomes. The two sister chromatids of each
Prophase II chromosomes are now attached to the microtubules from opposite spindle poles
Metaphase II In metaphase II, the chromosomes line up individually along the metaphase plate.
Anaphase II In anaphase II, the sister chromatds are then separated and are pulled towards opposite
poles of the cell.
In telophase II, nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes, and the
chromosomes then decondense. Cytokinesis splits the chromosome sets into new cells,
forming the final products of meiosis: four haploid cells in which each chromosome has
Telophase II just one chromatid. In humans, the products of meiosis are sperm or egg cells.
Figure Table 4. The process of meiosis II
IV. ANSWERS TO THE GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. What stages of cell division (mitosis) can you identify in your sample after staining
with acetocarmine? Look for stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and
telophase. (include photo/s)

In the stained onion cell, the group has observed each stage of mitosis during
the experiment. The group has identified the prophase, where the chromosomes were
visible and the nuclear envelope started to disappear. In metaphase, the
chromosomes aligned at the equatorial plate, while in anaphase, the chromosomes
began to move away from the equatorial plate towards the opposite poles. In
telophase, the chromosomes decondensed, and the nuclear membrane started to
reappear. Lastly, in cytokinesis, the cytoplasm is divided into two cells.

2. What changes can you observe in the nucleus and the spindle fibers as the cell
progresses through mitosis?

The mitotic spindle is assembled by centrosomes. Mitotic spindle, present at the

poles of the cells, is a structure made of microtubules (spindle fibres). Its role is to
separate the chromosomes (Byju’s, 2022). A unique feature of the nucleus is that it
disassembles and re-forms each time most cells divide. At the beginning of mitosis, the
chromosomes condense, the nucleolus disappears, and the nuclear envelope breaks
down, resulting in the release of most of the contents of the nucleus into the cytoplasm
(Cooper, 2000). Prophase is the first stage in mitosis. The nuclear envelope begins to
break down and chromosomes condense and are now visible. Spindle fibers start to
appear and centrosomes begin to move towards opposite poles (Libretexts, 2022).
During Telophase, The spindle also breaks down, and new nuclear membranes
(nuclear envelope) form (CK-12 Foundation, n.d.).

3. How does the length of time a cell spends in each stage of mitosis appear to vary
based on your observations? Which stage seems to be the most frequently observed,
and why?

The time required then for the complete process of mitotic cell division would lie
within the following limits: Prophase, 30 to 60 minutes; metaphase, 2 to 10 minutes;
anaphase 2 to 3 minutes; telophase 3 to 12 minutes and the reconstruction period
from 30 to 120 minutes: total 70 to 180 minutes (Lewis & Lewis, 1917). The most
frequently observed stage is Metaphase. At this stage, the cell will check that all the
chromosomes are aligned along with the metaphase plate, with their kinetochores
correctly attached. This helps to ensure sister chromatids are split evenly between the
two daughter cells. An error in alignment or a spindle attachment will result in the cell
halting further progress until the problem is fixed. Because chromosome alignment at
the centre of the cell on the metaphase plate acts as a checkpoint for progression
into the next phase, anaphase metaphase can occupy a large portion of the total
time of mitosis. Until the chromosomes are properly aligned, cells can arrest in
metaphase for days and the cell enters anaphase (Vedantu, n.d.).

4. How does cell division contribute to growth and development in multicellular

organisms?

In multicellular organisms, cell division is necessary for growth and development

because it allows cells to grow and divide, distinguish into particular types required for
the formation of the tissue and organs, replace damaged or dead cells to provide
ongoing maintenance and repair, and allows asexual reproduction to ensure the
continuing existence of the species. Cell division is a process that aids in the
maintenance of balance between the nucleus and cytoplasmic components of a cell,
as well as between DNA and RNA in multicellular animals. (Admin, 2022). Furthermore,
tissue repair and maintenance rely on cell division. It restores damaged or dead cells,
which is essential for wound healing and general well-being. This ability to regenerate
is especially crucial for tissues like skin and blood cells that have rapid turnover rates.
 5. How does mitosis compare to meiosis in terms of process and outcome? What are
the key similarities and differences?

Essential cell division processes, mitosis and meiosis have different functions and
results. After one division cycle, two identical diploid daughter cells are produced by
mitosis, which happens during growth and repair. Meiosis, on the other hand, requires
two division cycles to produce four genetically distinct haploid gametes, which is
necessary for sexual reproduction. Both processes share similar stages prophase,
metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Meiosis generates diversity by crossing over an
independent assortment, while mitosis maintains the diploid number; both processes
differ greatly in chromosome retention and genetic variation. One similarity is that both
mitosis and meiosis take place in the cell nuclei, which can be visualized under a
microscope. Both meiosis and mitosis involve cell division in their mechanisms.
Additionally, both occur in the M-phase of the cell cycle. (What Are the Similarities
Between Mitosis and Meiosis? | AAT Bioquest, n.d.)

V. CONCLUSION

In this experiment, the group aimed to examine and differentiate between

the stages of mitosis using onion cells and Allium cepa specimens. Furthermore, the
students illustrated, interpreted and differentiated the various stages of meiosis I
and meiosis II. The first objective was achieved by identifying the stages of mitosis-
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase-demonstrating how a single
diploid cell divides into two identical diploid daughter cells. The observation of
metaphase as the most frequently seen stage highlighted its crucial role as a
checkpoint, ensuring proper chromosomal alignment before progressing to
anaphase. This understanding is vital for grasping how mitosis facilitates growth and
tissue repair in multicellular organisms.

The second objective focused on elucidating the stages of meiosis, which

was explored through Meiosis I and Il, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid
gametes from one diploid cell. The crossing over during prophase l emerged as a
key feature, enhancing genetic diversity essential for sexual reproduction. By
differentiating these processes, the experiment emphasized that while mitosis serves
primarily for growth and repair, meiosis is crucial for producing gametes and
promoting genetic variation. Overall, this hands-on investigation not only fulfilled
the objectives but also deepened our understanding of cellular mechanisms that
underpin growth, reproduction, and biodiversity in living organisms, with significant
implications in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and genetics.

We aimed to identify the stages of mitosis in onion cells and differentiating

Meiosis I and Il, enhancing our understanding of these critical processes in cell
division. We observed distinct stages of mitosis— prophase, metaphase, anaphase,
and telophase-using stained onion cells, confirming the systematic progression of
cell division. Additionally, we explored meiosis, noting its two rounds of division and
the importance of processes like crossing over for genetic diversity. Our
observations indicated that metaphase is the longest stage, serving as a crucial
checkpoint for chromosome alignment. Ultimately, we learned that cell division is
essential for growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms, with mitosis
producing two identical diploid cells and meiosis yielding four genetically varied
haploid gametes, highlighting their fundamental roles in biology.
 VI. REFERENCES

CK-12 Foundation. (n.d.). CK-12 Foundation. https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-

flexbook-2.0/section/2.34/primary/lesson/mitosis-and-cytokinesis-bio/

Libretexts. (2022, December 27). 2.7.3: the cell cycle. Biology LibreTexts.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biol
ogy_2e_(OpenStax)/02%3A_Unit_II_The_Cell/2.07%3A_Cell_Reproduction/2.7.03%3A_Th
e_Cell_Cycle#:~:text=Prophase%20is%20the%20first%20stage,to%20move%20towards%
20opposite%20poles.

Cooper, G. M. (2000). The Nucleus during Mitosis. The Cell - NCBI Bookshelf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9890/#:~:text=A%20unique%20feature%20of%
20the,the%20nucleus%20into%20the%20cytoplasm.

Byju’s. (2022, July 4). What is the role of the spindle fibers during mitosis-.
https://byjus.com/question-answer/what-is-the-role-of-the-spindle-fibers-during-mitosis-
they-help-to-separate-the-1/

Lewis, W. H., & Lewis, M. R. (1917). The duration of the various phases of mitosis in the mesen
chyme cells of tissue cultures. The Anatomical Record, 13(6), 359–367.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.1090130604

Vedantu. (n.d.). Mitosis metaphase. VEDANTU. https://www.vedantu.com/biology/mitosis-

metaphase

Cooper, G. M. (2000). The Nucleus during Mitosis. The Cell - NCBI Bookshelf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9890/#:~:text=During%20prophase%2C%20th
e%20chromosomes%20condense,the%20nuclear%20envelope%20breaks%20down.

Meiosis | Learn Science at Scitable. (n.d.).

https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/meiosis-
88/#:~:text=Meiosis%20I%2C%20the%20first%20meiotic,central%20point%20called%20th
e%20centromere.

KhanAcademy. (n.d.). https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-

biology/heredity/meiosis-and-genetic-diversity/a/phases-of-meiosis
LABORATORY REPORT RUBRICS

CRITERIA 5 4 3 2
The objectives clearly The objectives The objective The objective shows
define the purpose of define the purpose vaguely defines the not connection to the
Objectives (x1) the activity including of the activity purpose of the purpose of the
higher level of thinking including high level activity activity
skills. of thinking skills.
Introduction is well- Introduction Introduction is Introduction does
written which provides provides an written in a basic not provide an
a clear overview of the overview of the form but provides overview about the
Introduction topic. Uses all proper topic. Uses some unclear overview of topic. Does not use
(x1) science vocabulary to proper science the topic. Uses science vocabulary
introduce the topic vocabulary to minimal science to introduce the
introduce the topic vocabulary to topic
introduce the topic
All data and results Most data and Data is presented Data is incomplete,
such as graphs, charts, results such as but not well- unorganized and
tables, measures, etc. graphs, charts, organized or confusing to the
are presented and tables, measures, incomplete. States reader. States only a
Data and
written in a manner that etc. are presented in very little of what little of what was
Results
is organized, and easy a manner that is easy was observed in a observed but not in a
(x2)
to read and understand to read and some of manner that ties the manner that ties
that ties the observation what was observed observation to a observations to a
to a conclusion ties the observation conclusion conclusion
to a conclusion
Uses observations, Uses some evidence Uses some evidence No evidence used to
data, and other to create a to create a create a statement
Analysis
evidence to create a statement showing statement showing showing knowledge
(x2)
well-supported knowledge gained knowledge gained gained
statement showing
knowledge gained
Detailed discussion of Discussion of most Discussion of most Discussion of most
all aspects of
aspects of aspects of aspects of
experiment, results,
experiment, results, experiment, results, experiment, results,
Conclusion (x1)
suggestions, flaws, etc.
suggestions, flaws, suggestions, flaws, suggestions, flaws,
and links to other etc. and links to etc. but links to etc. but shows no
relevant science other relevant other relevant link to other
science science relevant science
Sources were cited Minor mistakes Sources were not No reference at all
properly following were made in the properly cited (0)
References (x1) APA citation referencing
following APA
citation

 A deduction of 1 point per day within 5 days of late submission

Timeliness (x1)  If submitted beyond 1 week after the submission date, the highest possible score
the group can get will be the lowest from those who submitted on time.
ANSWERS TO THE GUIDE QUESTIONS

CRITERIA 3 2 1 0

The answer/response The answer/response The answer/response The

is accurately on point is accurately on point is unclear and not answer/response is
Content and is supported by and is supported by supported by incorrect.
(Per question) factual/scientific factual/scientific factual/scientific
concepts. concepts but 1 or 2 concepts.
misconceptions are
present.