Unlocking Interphase: The Cell's Hidden Life

Biology Grades High School 8:27 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the interphase of the cell cycle, including the G1, S, and G2 phases. Understand the crucial processes that prepare a cell for division.

Video Resource

Interphase | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 8:27
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Cell Cycle
  • Interphase (G1, S, G2 phases)
  • DNA Replication
  • Chromosomes and Chromatids
  • Centrosomes and Centromeres

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the three phases of interphase (G1, S, and G2) and their key events.
  • Explain the process of DNA replication during the S phase and its significance.
  • Distinguish between chromosomes and chromatids and define the role of the centromere.
  • Identify the function of centrosomes in cell division preparation.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the cell cycle and emphasizing that interphase is the longest part of the cycle. Briefly introduce the three phases of interphase (G1, S, G2) and explain that the video will delve into these phases.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Interphase | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy'. Encourage students to take notes on the key events occurring in each phase of interphase.
  • Discussion and Clarification (10 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a class discussion to clarify any confusing points. Address student questions and reinforce the key concepts presented in the video. Use diagrams and visuals to illustrate the differences between chromosomes, chromatids, centrosomes and centromeres.
  • Activity: Interphase Timeline (15 mins)
    Have students create a timeline of interphase, including the G1, S, and G2 phases. They should include the major events, such as cell growth, DNA replication, and preparation for mitosis, in their timeline. They should define key vocabulary in their timeline as well.

Interactive Exercises

  • Chromatid vs. Chromosome Diagramming
    Students draw diagrams illustrating the difference between a chromosome before and after DNA replication, labeling the sister chromatids and centromere.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is interphase considered the longest phase of the cell cycle?
  • What would happen if DNA replication did not occur correctly during the S phase?
  • How does the cell prepare for mitosis during the G2 phase?
  • What is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes, and when does each form exist?

Skills Developed

  • Note-taking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Visual Representation
  • Scientific Vocabulary

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is NOT a phase of interphase?

Correct Answer: M

Question 2:

What is the main event that occurs during the S phase of interphase?

Correct Answer: DNA replication

Question 3:

Sister chromatids are connected at a region called the:

Correct Answer: Centromere

Question 4:

Which structure duplicates during the S phase to prepare for cell division?

Correct Answer: Centrosome

Question 5:

During which phase of interphase does the cell primarily grow and carry out its normal functions?

Correct Answer: G1

Question 6:

Before DNA replication, a chromosome consists of:

Correct Answer: One sister chromatid

Question 7:

What is the state of DNA during interphase?

Correct Answer: Loosely packed chromatin

Question 8:

If a cell has 20 chromosomes during G1 phase, how many sister chromatids will it have after S phase?

Correct Answer: 40

Question 9:

Which phase directly follows G2 phase in the cell cycle?

Correct Answer: Mitosis

Question 10:

The G2 phase prepares the cell for:

Correct Answer: Mitosis

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell spends most of its life is called ________.

Correct Answer: interphase

Question 2:

The duplication of DNA occurs during the _______ phase of interphase.

Correct Answer: S

Question 3:

Each copy of a duplicated chromosome is called a sister ________.

Correct Answer: chromatid

Question 4:

Sister chromatids are connected at the ________.

Correct Answer: centromere

Question 5:

The structure that duplicates during the S phase and is important for cell division is the ________.

Correct Answer: centrosome

Question 6:

Cell growth and normal functions primarily occur during the _______ phase of interphase.

Correct Answer: G1

Question 7:

DNA exists in a relaxed, unwound state called _______ during interphase.

Correct Answer: chromatin

Question 8:

The _______ phase follows the S phase and prepares the cell for mitosis.

Correct Answer: G2

Question 9:

The process of cell division where the nucleus divides into two is called ________.

Correct Answer: mitosis

Question 10:

The genetic material of a cell is replicated so that each daughter cell has a full complement of ________.

Correct Answer: chromosomes

Educational Standards

B.LS1.4:[Standard] Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms. B.LS1.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

Teaching Materials

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