Understanding Mitosis, science needs to thank Henrietta Lacks November 6, 2014

The family of Henrietta Lacks is still in medical debt, but the contributions of this one poor black woman who allowed scientists to replicate cells outside the body are priceless.  Her cells have contributed to more medical break throughs, research and developments in the past 50 years, the number of her cells alive today would reach to the moon and back several times over.  Cell division and growth is called Mitosis and my students are learning about this complicated biology now. Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries.

In understanding the stages of the fascinating method in which cells replicate, repair and grow, the city of Atlanta and others celebrated the contributions of this unknown hero

THE MITOSIS DANCE (understanding complicated cell biology though movement) November 1, 2013

Mitosis is the process in which the smallest unit of life separates into 2 distinct new clones of itself – separating the nucleus, chromosomes and chromatids into two identical sets of chromosomes, each set in its own new nucleus.

Three different classes of amazing 7th graders at Westside Global Awareness Magnet, two enthusiastic science teachers and one talented PE coach filmed the first installment of this work in progress.  Despite being All Saints Day (aka known as the day after Halloween) the students formed two new cells with their own nucleus  and chromosones.

Way to go WESTSIDE!

Mitosis Dance

Click on link to get the steps to the dance:

Mitosis October 28, 2012

How do we grow?  Most of our cells are diving into two exact copies every 24 hours though a process called mitosis, or more depending on what kind of cell it is (skin cells are replaced more frequently.

The following dance may give you an idea how it works and feel free to join in and dance.

 

 

The process contains our DNA and goes through 4 distinct cycles

Prophase. Chromatin in the nucleus begins to condense and becomes visible in the light microscope as chromosomes. The nuclear membrane dissolves, marking the beginning of prometaphase. Proteins attach to the centromeres creating the kinetochores. Microtubules attach at the kinetochores and the chromosomes begin moving.

Metaphase. Spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the cell nucleus. This line is referred to as the metaphase plate. This organization helps to ensure that in the next phase, when the chromosomes are separated, each new nucleus will receive one copy of each chromosome.

Anaphase. The paired chromosomes separate at the kinetochores and move to opposite sides of the cell. Motion results from a combination of kinetochore movement along the spindle microtubules and through the physical interaction of polar microtubules.

Telophase. New membranes form around the daughter nuclei while the chromosomes disperse and are no longer visible under the light microscope. Cytokinesis or the partitioning of the cell may also begin during this stage.

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Cell Division in a nutshell:

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Google Mitosis? August 30, 2012