Question

purpose: the purpose of this lab is to identify the stages of the cell cycle and how they appear different when not just in drawings. we will also work on determining the amount of time cells spend in each stage of the cell cycle.
part 1 - pre - lab: identifying the phases
directions: using the google slides linked in the classroom to guide you through this lab. for part 1, you will identify a cell that is in each of the stages of the cell cycle. draw what the cell actually looks like for each phase in the circles below. be sure to also describe what is occurring in each of the stages. your descriptions can be bullet points. if you would like your teacher to confirm you are looking at the correct stage, call them over.
interphase

1. find a cell that is in interphase and draw it in the circle to the right. :
2. describe what is happening during interphase.

prophase

1. find a cell that is in prophase and draw it in the circle to the right.
2. describe what is happening during prophase.

metaphase

1. find a cell that is in metaphase and draw it in the circle to the right.
2. describe what is happening during metaphase.

anaphase

1. find a cell that is in anaphase and draw it in the circle to the right
2. describe what is happening during anaphase.

telophase

1. find a cell that is in telophase and draw it in the circle to the right.
2. describe what is happening during telophase.

Explanation:

Interphase:

• Cell grows and carries out normal functions
• DNA replicates (chromosomes duplicate)
• Nucleolus and nuclear envelope are visible

Prophase:

• Chromosomes condense and become visible
• Nuclear envelope breaks down
• Spindle fibers start to form

Metaphase:

• Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator (metaphase plate)
• Spindle fibers attach to centromeres of chromosomes

Anaphase:

• Sister chromatids separate at centromeres
• Separated chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers

Telophase:

• Chromosomes reach opposite poles and begin to decondense
• Nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes
• Spindle fibers break down

Answer:

1. Interphase Drawing: The provided drawing shows a cell with a visible nucleus and nucleolus, which matches the appearance of a cell in interphase.

• Interphase Description:
• Cell grows and performs routine functions
• Chromosomes replicate (DNA synthesis)
• Nucleus remains intact

1. Prophase Drawing: The provided drawing shows condensed chromosomes and a breaking-down nuclear envelope, matching prophase.

• Prophase Description:
• Chromosomes condense and become visible
• Nuclear envelope disassembles
• Spindle fibers start forming

1. Metaphase Drawing: The provided drawing shows chromosomes aligned at the center of the cell, matching metaphase.

• Metaphase Description:
• Chromosomes line up at cell equator
• Spindle fibers attach to centromeres

1. Anaphase Drawing: The provided drawing shows separated chromatids pulled to opposite poles, matching anaphase.

• Anaphase Description:
• Sister chromatids separate
• Chromatids move to opposite cell poles

1. Telophase Drawing: The provided drawing shows two sets of chromosomes at opposite poles with forming nuclear envelopes, matching telophase.

• Telophase Description:
• Chromosomes decondense
• Nuclear envelopes reform
• Spindle fibers break down