Name: _____________________________
Date____________________ Per _____
Exploring the Cell Cycle
You have learned that when a cell becomes too large it cannot work efficiently. One solution to this
problem is for a cell to divide into two smaller cells through a process called cell division. Cell
division also occurs whenever organisms grow, repair damaged tissues, or reproduce. Cell division is
an important part of the life cycle of a cell. This ‘life cycle’ is referred to as the cell cycle and it
has a number of stages. Each stage is identified by the activities that go on in the cell during the
stage.
In this activity you will convert the diagram of the cell cycle (on the back), into a collage of
information about each stage of the cycle. Follow the instructions below to begin your collage. When
you have finished you will have a colorful, organized study guide for understanding what happens
during the cell cycle.
1.
Review pages 246-247 in your text before you begin.
2. Select two different colored pencils (provided by your teacher). In the upper right corner
of the diagram you will see a KEY. Color in the box next to the word ‘INTERPHASE’ with one
color. Color the box next to the words ‘CELL DIVISION’ with the other color.
3. The stages of the cell cycle are noted in the diagram by the abbreviations G1, S, G2, M,
and C. Use your text to discover the full names of each stage and write it neatly below
each abbreviation in the diagram.
4. Color the arrows only in the diagram so that the stages that are part of interphase match
the color that you used to denote interphase in the key. For instance, if you colored the box
for INTERPHASE with a red pencil, then color any stages that belong to interphase with a
red pencil. Do the same for the stages of cell division so that they also correspond
correctly to the key.
5. Obtain a sheet of ‘FACT CARDS’ from your teacher. Cut out the cards and spread the cards
on your desk.
6. Using your text and your prior knowledge, determine which stage of the cell cycle is being
described by each fact. When you have all of the facts sorted, copy or paste the facts into
the corresponding boxes on the diagram. If you have made a mistake you will not have
enough boxes for a particular stage and will have an extra box for another stage. It is wise
to sort the facts prior to writing them into the diagram.
7. When you have finished check your work with the teacher. You may also add clarifying
comments or additional information to your diagram.
The Cell Cycle
Key
INTERPHASE
CELL DIVISION
Cell Cycle Fact Cards
The cell’s nucleus
and nuclear
material divide.
At this point some
cells exit the cell
cycle and do not
divide again.
A cell replicates,
or copies, its DNA
in preparation for
cell division.
The cell takes
inventory and
prepares for
mitosis.
The cell grows
and performs its
normal functions.
The cell prepares
to replicate its
DNA.
The cell divides
its cytoplasm into
two “daughter”
cells that have
identical nuclei.
The cell makes
proteins
necessary for cell
division.
Cell Cycle Fact Cards
The cell’s nucleus
and nuclear
material divide.
At this point some
cells exit the cell
cycle and do not
divide again.
A cell replicates,
or copies, its DNA
in preparation for
cell division.
The cell takes
inventory and
prepares for
mitosis.
The cell grows
and performs its
normal functions.
The cell prepares
to replicate its
DNA.
The cell divides
its cytoplasm into
two “daughter”
cells that have
identical nuclei.
The cell makes
proteins
necessary for cell
division.
Cell Cycle Fact Cards
The cell’s nucleus
and nuclear
material divide.
At this point some
cells exit the cell
cycle and do not
divide again.
A cell replicates,
or copies, its DNA
in preparation for
cell division.
The cell takes
inventory and
prepares for
mitosis.
The cell grows
and performs its
normal functions.
The cell prepares
to replicate its
DNA.
The cell divides
its cytoplasm into
two “daughter”
cells that have
identical nuclei.
The cell makes
proteins
necessary for cell
division.