Unlocking Cell Division: A Deep Dive into Mitosis

Biology Grades High School 12:11 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating process of mitosis, the engine of cell division, with this comprehensive lesson plan. Learn about the stages, key players, and underlying mechanisms that drive life's fundamental process.

Video Resource

Mitosis | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 12:11
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Mitosis as a form of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells.
  • The distinct phases of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
  • The roles of key cellular components such as chromosomes, sister chromatids, centromeres, centrosomes, centrioles, and microtubules in mitosis.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the purpose of mitosis in cell division.
  • Students will be able to identify and explain the events that occur in each phase of mitosis.
  • Students will be able to explain the roles of chromosomes, sister chromatids, centromeres, centrosomes, centrioles and microtubules in the process of mitosis.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between mitosis and cytokinesis.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (10 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the concept of the cell cycle and the importance of cell division. Introduce the video 'Mitosis | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy' and explain that it will provide a detailed explanation of mitosis.
  • Video Viewing and Note-Taking (15 mins)
    Have students watch the video and take notes on the key events that occur during each phase of mitosis. Encourage them to pay attention to the roles of the different cellular structures involved.
  • Phase Breakdown and Discussion (20 mins)
    Divide students into four groups, assigning each group one phase of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase). Each group should create a visual representation (diagram, flowchart, or short skit) that illustrates the key events of their assigned phase. Have each group present their phase to the class, followed by a class discussion to clarify any points of confusion.
  • Comparing Mitosis and Cytokinesis (10 minutes)
    Lead a class discussion that differentiates between mitosis and cytokinesis. Emphasize that mitosis is the division of the nucleus while cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm. Discuss how cytokinesis overlaps with the later stages of mitosis.
  • Assessment (15 mins)
    Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess student understanding of the key concepts of mitosis.

Interactive Exercises

  • Mitosis Modeling
    Provide students with materials such as pipe cleaners, beads, and string to create a physical model of mitosis. Have them use the model to demonstrate the different phases of mitosis and explain the roles of the different cellular components.
  • Mitosis Sequencing
    Provide students with a set of cards depicting the different phases of mitosis in a jumbled order. Have them work individually or in pairs to arrange the cards in the correct sequence and explain the events that occur in each phase.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important that the two daughter cells produced by mitosis are genetically identical to the parent cell?
  • What might happen if mitosis occurred without proper regulation?
  • How does mitosis contribute to the growth and repair of tissues in multicellular organisms?
  • How does the disruption of microtubule formation affect mitosis, and why?

Skills Developed

  • Observation and analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Model building
  • Vocabulary comprehension

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following is the correct order of the phases of mitosis?

Correct Answer: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

Question 2:

During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell?

Correct Answer: Metaphase

Question 3:

What structure connects the two sister chromatids?

Correct Answer: Centromere

Question 4:

Which of the following is NOT a function of microtubules during mitosis?

Correct Answer: Condensing chromosomes

Question 5:

What is the main event that occurs during anaphase?

Correct Answer: Sister chromatids separate

Question 6:

In which phase does the nuclear membrane reform around the separated chromosomes?

Correct Answer: Telophase

Question 7:

What are the structures inside the centrosomes that are cylindrical?

Correct Answer: Centrioles

Question 8:

What is the name of the process where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells?

Correct Answer: Cytokinesis

Question 9:

What is the purpose of mitosis?

Correct Answer: Growth and Repair

Question 10:

What happens to the nuclear membrane during prophase?

Correct Answer: It disappears

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The process by which one nucleus turns into two nuclei with the original genetic information is called ________.

Correct Answer: mitosis

Question 2:

The first phase of mitosis, where the DNA condenses and the nuclear membrane disappears, is called ________.

Correct Answer: prophase

Question 3:

The point on the chromosome where the sister chromatids are connected is called the ________.

Correct Answer: centromere

Question 4:

________ are structures that migrate to opposite sides of the cell and help to organize the microtubules.

Correct Answer: centrosomes

Question 5:

The phase of mitosis where the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell is called ________.

Correct Answer: metaphase

Question 6:

Microtubules attach to the centromere at a region called the ________.

Correct Answer: kinetochore

Question 7:

The phase where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell is called ________.

Correct Answer: anaphase

Question 8:

The final phase of mitosis, where the nuclear membrane reforms, is called ________.

Correct Answer: telophase

Question 9:

The division of the cytoplasm, which occurs after mitosis, is called ________.

Correct Answer: cytokinesis

Question 10:

Before mitosis begins, the cell is in ________, where it grows and replicates its DNA.

Correct Answer: interphase

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.

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