Question

student exploration: cell division
directions: follow the instructions to go through the simulation. respond to the questions and prompts in the orange boxes.
vocabulary: cell division, centriole, centromere, chromatid, chromatin, chromosome, cytokinesis, dna, interphase, mitosis
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 dont just 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?

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?

Explanation:

1. Cells need to grow in size between divisions. This involves increasing their volume and synthesizing new cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and organelles to maintain an appropriate cell - to - volume ratio and avoid getting smaller.
2. Cells need to replicate their DNA between divisions. This process, called DNA replication, occurs during the S - phase of the cell cycle and ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic information.
3. No, the cells do not all look the same. Different cells may be in different stages of the cell cycle (interphase, mitosis, or cytokinesis), and cells can also have natural variations in their appearance.

Answer:

1. Grow in size by synthesizing new components.
2. Replicate their DNA.
3. No.