Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
1. Cells reproduce by splitting in half, a process called cell division. What do cells need to do between
divisions to make sure that they don’t just get sma
...
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
1. Cells reproduce by splitting in half, a process called cell division. What do cells need to do between
divisions to make sure that they don’t just get smaller and smaller?
The cells need to grow in between their cell divisions so they don’t get smaller and
smaller.
2. The genetic information of a cell is carried in its DNA (short for deoxyribonucleic acid). What do cells need
to do between divisions to make sure that a full set of DNA gets passed on to each daughter cell?
The cells need to make a copy of their DNA (double it), so a full set gets passed on to
each daughter cell.
Gizmo Warm-up
On the SIMULATION pane of the Cell Division Gizmo, check that the Cycle
Length is set to 12 hours. Click Play ( ), observe until the maximum number of
cells is shown, and then click Pause ( ).
1. Look at the cells. Do they all look the same? yes
2. Cells that are in the process of dividing are said to be in mitosis or
cytokinesis. Cells that are not dividing are in interphase.
Check the Magnify box and move the cursor over the cells.
A. Of the 100 cells shown, how many are in the process of dividing?
Approximately fourteen are in the process of dividing.
B. Select the BAR CHART tab, and turn on Show numerical values. How many cells are in the
interphase stage of their life cycle? 80
C. Based on these two observations, would you say that a cell spends most of its life cycle in
interphase or in mitosis/cytokinesis? Interphase
Activity A:
Phases of the cell
cycle
Get the Gizmo ready:
● Click Reset ( ).
● Select the DESCRIPTION tab.
● Click on the right arrow once so that Interphase is
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