Name: _______________________________________________________ Hour: ____ Date: ________________
Cell Division and Cancer Investigation
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_23/BL_23.html
Purpose:
In this investigation, you will explore the similarities and differences between the cell cycles of normal cells and cancer
cells.
Objectives:


Identify the various phases of the cell cycle.
Compare and contrast the cell cycles of normal and cancer cells.
Procedure:
Use the Virtual Lab to learn the objectives.
Follow the procedure in the left-hand side of the navigation.
As you go through this investigation, answer the questions below.
Questions from Mr. Roberts:
1. What are the steps of the cell cycle?
2. Create a sketch for what each step of the cell cycle looks like (Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase,
telophase).
3. What is the relationship between a chromosome and sister chromatids?
4. It is difficult for scientists to determine the exact cause of cancer. What are some of the risk factors for lung,
ovarian, and stomach cancers?
Click on the microscope: You will need to drag the names of each phase from the box above the image to label each
step of the cell cycle pictured. Look at all the different types of tissues by clicking on the “Tissue Slides.” Record your
data in the table below rather than using the embedded tool.
Number of Cells in Each Phase of the Cell Cycle
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Percentage
of cells
Dividing
Percentage
of cells at
Rest
(interphase)
Normal
lung
Cancerous
lung
Normal
Stomach
Cancerous
stomach
Normal
Ovary
Cancerous
Ovary
1. What do you see as a difference between the normal tissues and the cancerous tissues?
2. After looking at the slides of actual lung and stomach tissue, what do you see as a difference between the
normal and cancerous tissues?
Journal 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.