Modeling MitosisMaterials – • 3 pieces yarn/string (cell membrane & nuclear

membranes)• Short pieces of String (spindles)• 4 metal balls (centromeres)• 6 magnetic pieces of 1 color (chromosomes from 1

parent)• 6 magnetic pieces of a second color (chromosomes from

2nd parent)1. Work in pairs. 2. Make sure you have all of the materials listed.3. Create a eukaryote cell on your table using the yarn.

1. Sort your chromosomes (magnetic pieces) into the two colors.

2. Look at the pieces of each color and locate the letters. Build one each of these chromosomes and put in your cell’s nucleus.

3. Color 1 ABCD (2 pieces)4. Color 2 ABCD (2 pieces)5. Color 1 FG (1 piece)6. Color 2 FG (1 piece)7. These are single (not copied) chromosomes!8. Draw a color picture of this cell on your handout

in the upper left and label this phase.

A b C d

a b c d

F G

f g

a b

a b

c d

c d

F G

F G

Model DNA Replication• Create copies of each of your chromosomes

from your remaining pieces. Don’t forget to add one centromere to hold the sister chromatids together. See examples below.

a b

a b

c d

c d

F G

F G

Model Mitosis with your partner1. Draw interphase, then model phases of mitosis with your

partner using your index cards or book.2. Stop at each phase and use color pencils to draw how

YOUR model looks on your handouts. Label each phase and give a brief description of the events.

3. On your prophase drawing, label the: cell membrane, nuclear membrane, chromosomes, centromeres and spindles.

4. Model the phases and explain each step to your partner without looking at your index cards or notes(give to partner) until both of you can model without book, notes or help from partner.

5. Complete the questions on the handout using your drawings and knowledge of mitosis.

Cell Membrane

Nuclear Membrane

Chromosomes

Interphase

Centromeres

Spindles

Chromotids

Cell Membrane

Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

Cytokinesis