Introduction to Mitosis
The following activity is an independent study on the process of mitosis. You will work at
your own pace with a maximum of two periods being given for the first four parts. What you do
not complete in class can be done at home or in your spare time. The activity is split between text
work and computer work. This will allow half the class to work at each at one time.
Part I – Text Reading
The following reading assignment is to introduce you to the topic of mitosis as a method
of cell division. You are to read pages 532 – 536 from Nelson Biology and answer the following
questions.
1. In what type of organism does binary fission occur?
2. How does binary fission differ from mitosis?
3. Compare the daughter cells with the original mother cell.
4. Identify 3 things that happen to the cell during interphase.
5. What is the function of spindle fibers?
6. What is the function of a centromere?
7. What happens to the chromatids during metaphase? Anaphase? Telophase?
8. What is cytokinesis? How does it differ in plant and animal cells?
Part II – Plant Cell Animation Tutorial
Using the classroom computer go to the Horton Biology 12 Animations page and click on
the HAF – Mitosis Tutorial link. View the animation and use the information to complete Part II of
this activity.
Part III – Animal Cell Mitosis and the Process Involved
In the pictures found below identify each stage by putting the correct title in the space
between the cell picture and the diagram. Choose from the following: telophase and
cytokinesis, prometaphase, G2 of Interphase, anaphase, prophase, metaphase.
In the first picture label the following:
Image 1 – chromatin, nuclear membrane, centrioles
Image 2 – centromeres, sister chromatids, spindles forming
Image 3 – nuclear membrane breaking down, poles spindles
In the second picture label the following:
Image 4 – metaphase plate, spindles, centrioles
Image 5 – daughter chromosomes
Image 6 – new nucleus forming, cleavage furrow
Cell Reproduction Unit
Cell Reproduction Unit
Part IV – The Cell Life Cycle
Identify the basic stages of the cell life cycle by identifying the following on the diagram: G2,
cytokinesis, G1, S phase, mitosis. In one sentence tell what happens in each phase of the cycle.
Cell Life Cycle:
Part V – Reproduction Without Sex Crossword
An instructional Mitosis Powerpoint can be found on my website in Powerpoints
section. Complete the crossword puzzle that has been provided at the end of the activity using
the powerpoint and textbook. This will help you learn about the process of mitosis.
Cell Reproduction Unit
Reproduction Without Sex
Across
2. a period when the cell grows and prepares for cell division
6. the structure that holds the two parts of the chromosome together
8. the last phase of mitosis
10. a term referring to the mass of genetic material found in the nucleus
11. (two words) guide wires for the movement of chromosomes in the cell
13. the substance that is divided during the second phase of cell division
Down
1. (two words) a type of cell division found in bacteria
3. the structures that contain the genetic material
4. the stage of mitosis when the chromosomes separate
5. small protein bodies found in the cytoplasm that help form the poles of the cell
6. division of the cell cytoplasm
7. the period of time when the chromosomes thicken during mitosis
9. asexual cell division found in multicellular organisms
12. the stage of mitosis when the chromosomes line up at the cell equator
13. chromosomes consist of two of these
Cell Reproduction Unit