Name _______________________________________________ Date __________________ Per___________
preAP Biology
Mitotic Index in Tissue Samples
(Normal vs. Cancerous)
Directions:
1. Identify which phase each cell is in.
2. Count the number of cells in each phase and record in data table below. Continue until you have
recorded data for all 6 tissue samples.
3. Calculate percentage of cells dividing (#dividing/total cells x 100) and at rest (#at rest/total cells x 100).
4. Answer analysis questions.
MITOSIS
Data Table:
Total
Cells Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
%
% rest
dividing
(INTERPHASE)
(MITOSIS)
Normal
Lung
Cancerous
Lung
Normal
Stomach
Cancerous
Stomach
Normal
Ovary
Cancerous
Ovary
Analysis Questions:
1. Based on your data and observations, what are some of the differences between normal cells and
cancer cells?
2. Which type of cancer shows the most aggressive growth? Explain.
3. When studying cell division in tissue samples, scientists often calculate a mitotic index, which is the
ratio of dividing cells to the total number of cells in the sample. Scientists often calculate the mitotic
index to compare the growth rates of different types of tissue. Which type of tissue would have a
higher mitotic index, normal tissue or cancerous tissue? Explain.