Exploring Mitosis- The Process of Cell Division

Cells are the building blocks of life, and their ability to divide and reproduce is essential for growth, repair, and development. Mitosis is the process by which a single cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. In this WebQuest, you will explore the stages of mitosis, its importance, and real-world applications.

Teacher: Erika Anido

Grade: Highschool 

Your task is to investigate and design a digital presentation using Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva that illustrates the process of mitosis. You are to include the following:

1. A short explanation of cell division that is concise.

2. An explanation of the steps of mitosis.

3. Reasons why mitosis is important in living organisms.

4. Cases of certain illnesses associated with uncontrolled mitotic division (for instance, cancer).

5. Interactive parts, including diagrams, videos, or animations.

Step 1: Learn About Cell Division

   • Find out information related to the necessity of cell division and the distinctions between mitosis and meiosis. 

   • Refer to the video link and watch it for better understanding: Amoeba Sisters: Mitosis

Step 2: Mitosis Process and Its Components

   • Find out the following steps and explain each one:

   1. Interphase – The phase in which a cell prepares for division.

   2. Prophase – The phase in which the chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane disintegrates.

   3. Metaphase – The phase in which the chromosomes move towards the center of the cell, positioning themselves along the cell equator.

   4. Anaphase – The phase in which the chromosomes are separated into two identical sets.

   5. Telophase – The phase in which two new nuclei develop.

   6. Cytokinesis – The phase in which the parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

   • Make use of the following resources:

   • Cells Alive! Mitosis Animation

   • Khan Academy: Mitosis

Step 3: Reasons For Mitosis

   • Look into the role of mitosis in growth, repair, and reproduction.

   • Answer: What are the ramifications of errors during the mitosis process?

Step 4: Abnormal Cell Division and Cancer

    •    Investigate how uncontrolled mitosis leads to tumors and cancer.

    •    Resource: National Cancer Institute

Step 5: Create Your Presentation

    •    Organize your findings into a digital presentation.

    •    Include images, diagrams, and animations.

    •    Add at least one quiz question for your audience.

After completing this WebQuest, you will understand mitosis more deeply and appreciate its importance in living organisms. You will see how errors in mitosis can have serious and complex consequences. Think about how this process affects your daily life such as healing wounds and growing taller.

1.    Amoeba Sisters: Mitosis – YouTube Video

    •    Amoeba Sisters. (2017). Mitosis: The Amazing Cell Process That Uses Division to Multiply!. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ldPgEfAHI

    2.    Cells Alive! Mitosis Animation

    •    Quill, T. (2024). Mitosis Animation. Retrieved from http://www.cellsalive.com/mitosis.htm

    3.    Khan Academy: Phases of Mitosis

    •    Khan Academy. (2024). Phases of Mitosis. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/cellular-molecular-biology/mitosis/a/phases-of-mitosis

    4.    National Cancer Institute – Information on Cancer and Mitosis

    •    National Cancer Institute. (2024). Understanding Cancer and Cell Growth. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/