Fisher, Lab

Name:____________________

Date:_____________________

Period:___________________

Lab: The Cell Cycle and Cancer (Mitosis)

Virtual Lab: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/labs/BL_03/index.html

Directions:

 Go to my website
 On the left hand side click on Biology
 Go under Virtual Labs
 Click link McGraw Hill Virtual Labs
 Select the “Cell Cycle and Cancer Lab”
Purpose:
In this investigation you will explore the similarities and differences between the cell cycles of normal
cells and cancer cells.
Objective:
Identify the various phases of the cell cycle
Compare and contrast the cell cycle of normal cells and cancer cells
Procedure:
 Click on the TV to watch a short video clip on the cell cycle.
 Click the information button to learn more about cancer.
 Click on the microscope to begin learning about the phases of mitosis.
You will now find a box of tissue slides next to your microscope. Click on each slide.
Compare and contrast each tissue slide;
Example: Look at Normal Lung Slide and compare it to Cancerous Lung slide in each phase of
mitosis….
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
What is different?

1
Fisher, Lab

Data Collection:

Number of Cells in each Phase of the Cell Cycle

Interphas Prophase Metaphas Anaphase Telophase % of % of

e e cells cells
dividing at
rest
Normal
Lung
Cancerous
lung
Normal
Stomach
Cancerous
Stomach
Normal
Ovary
Cancerous
Ovary

Cells dividing from Prophase-Telophase

Calculation: ( Prophase + Metaphase+ Anaphase + Telophase ) X 100 = % of dividing cells

Total
Post Questions:

Post Questions:

1. Based on your data and observations, what are some of the differences between normal
cells and cancer cells?

2. 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. Which type of
tissue would have a higher mitotic index, normal tissue or cancerous tissue? Explain.

2
Fisher, Lab

3. Different types of normal tissues in the human body have different mitotic indices. From the
following list, which normal tissues would you expect to have the highest mitotic index:
muscle, skin, kidney, or lung? Explain your answer.