Investigation of the Cell Cycle
Introduction
Background
Task
Process
Resources
Evaluation
Introduction
Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to
investigate the normal growth pattern of a cell. Then,
you will investigate the uncontrolled growth of cells
known as cancer.
You will be provided with the proper links to navigate
through the webquest. Your final product will be a
compilation of (4) written assignments, as well as a 2
page paper on cancer.
The required written portion is explained in each link.
Have fun!
Home
Background:
Cells contain genetic information in a
substance called DNA.
Chromosomes are the structures found in
the nucleus of a cell that contain DNA.
A copy of a chromosome can be made
during a process called replication.
When one cell divides into two identical
cells, each cell gets a copy of each
chromosome.
Mitosis is the name given to the process
of one nucleus splitting into two identical
nuclei.
Mitosis is critical for asexual reproduction.
Home
Webquest Task
The following slide provides a list of links related to cell
cycle and cancer.
You must visit each of the links and complete the task
related to that link. Instructions are provided in each link.
You will put the title of each link on a separate page, then
record the required information for each site that you visit.
Home
Process
 The
process is to follow the “Journey
to the Cell Cycle” slide to each of the
three links listed on that slide.
 Once you have arrived at the link, you
will be instructed what your written
assignment is for that segment.
Journey through the cell cycle
 Learn
about Mitosis
 Learn
about Cell Cycle
 Learn
about Cancer
Learn about Mitosis
Complete the following activities:
Visit the Cells Alive website. When you are there, click on
cell biology on the left side of the screen.
Then select Mitosis. Watch the video.
Assignment #1: Write a brief description of each of the
phases of Mitosis - Sketches are required!!
You will also be required to name each of the (4) phases.
When you have read and understood these directions
click here to go to the Cells Alive site.
To return to the Journey, click Resources
Investigate the Cell Cycle
A cell can divide many times and thus produce many, many identical cells.
Between divisions a cell just needs time to grow in size and to make
another copy of each chromosome.
Investigate this cell cycle by returning
to Cells Alive. This time, click on
cell cycle on the left side of the screen.
Watch the animation, then:
Assignment #2:
Draw a pie chart that depicts time spent in interphase/
time spent in Mitosis / time spent in Cytokinesis
Briefly label each piece of the pie describing what is
occuring in the cell during each phase.
To go back to Cells Alive, click here.
To return to the journey, click Resources.
Cell Growth
Now that you have learned about normal cell growth and
division, you need to understand what goes wrong in
cancer.
Cell Biology and Cancer
Please watch animations
1-5 to learn what goes
wrong when cancer strikes!!
Now…..
Investigating Cancer
In this final portion of the webquest, you will gather information to write
a minimum two page paper about a particular type of cancer (you
may choose a topic that interests you!). The links below will serve as
your resources. The paper must include:
• Definition of the disease
• Causes and possible genetic links
• Prevention
• Treatment Options
• Any related information
The following links will assist you:
The National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Society
Cancer.Net
Centers for Disease Control
Grading Rubric
Phases of Mitosis
10
7
3
Points
Points
Points
Accuracy All phases are
accurately
drawn and
labeled
Most phases are
accurately drawn
and labeled,
minor
discrepancies
Major
inaccuracies
in the drawing
and/or
labeling of the
phases
Neatness
Phases were
neatly drawn,
acceptable detail
Phases were
not drawn
neatly, and/or
not legible
Total
Points
Phases were
neatly drawn
with attention
to detail
Total
Points
X2
X2
Grading Rubric
Cell Cycle Pie Chart
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Title
Title is creative and
clearly relates to the
subject of the pie
chart. It is printed at
the top of the pie
chart.
Title clearly relates
to the pie chart and
is printed at the top
of the pie chart.
A title is present at
the top of the pie
chart.
A title is not present.
Neatness and
Attractiveness
Exceptionally well
Neat and relatively
designed, neat, and attractive.
attractive. Colors that
go well together are
used to make the
graph more readable.
Lines are neatly
Appears messy and
drawn but the graph "thrown together" in
appears quite plain. a hurry. Lines are
visibly crooked.
Grading Rubric
Cancer Research Paper
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Amount of
Information
All topics are
addressed and all
questions answered
with at least 2
sentences about
each.
All topics are
addressed and most
questions answered
with at least 2
sentences about
each.
All topics are
addressed, and
most questions
answered with 1
sentence about
each.
One or more topics
were not addressed.
Quality of
Information
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It includes
several supporting
details and/or
examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It provides 1-2
supporting details
and/or examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. No details
and/or examples are
given.
Information has little
or nothing to do with
the main topic.
Organization
Information is very
organized with wellconstructed
paragraphs and
subheadings.
Information is
organized with wellconstructed
paragraphs.
Information is
organized, but
paragraphs are not
well-constructed.
The information
appears to be
disorganized. 8)
Mechanics
No grammatical,
spelling or
punctuation errors.
Almost no
grammatical,
spelling or
punctuation errors
A few grammatical
spelling, or
punctuation errors.
Many grammatical,
spelling, or
punctuation errors.
Sources
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented in the
desired format.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but a
few are not in the
desired format.
All sources
(information and
graphics) are
accurately
documented, but
many are not in the
desired format.
Some sources are
not accurately
documented.
Conclusion
 Enjoy
your investigation. Submit your
written assignment of mitosis and cell
cycle with your paper on cancer research.
 Due Date: _______________
 Make sure your name is on each
assignment!