Cycle Master Teacher Guide Cycle Master
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Topic
Mitosis & DNA
Lesson Overview
This lesson covers the eukaryotic cell cycle with a specific focus on mitosis. Students will learn to identify the six stages of the cycle (Interphase, PMAT, and Cytokinesis) and understand the critical role of DNA replication. The materials are designed for a "Visual First" approach, where students observe imagery before diving into technical terminology.
Essential Questions
How does a cell ensure its offspring are genetically identical?
What physical changes occur at each stage of mitosis?
Material Navigation
Copy Shop Slides
Use these for the primary lecture. Note that several slides are "Visual Only"—use these to let students describe what they see happening to the chromosomes before providing the names.
DNA Focus: Slides 3-5 emphasize the S-phase.Phase ID: Slides 8-13 focus on the visual markers of PMAT.
Mitosis Map (Notes)
Students should complete this during the presentation. It serves as their primary study resource.
Key Terms for Blanks
Centromere, Sister Chromatids, Spindle Fibers, Equator, Nuclear Envelope, Replication.
Answer Key: Mitosis Map
Part 1: The Preparation (Interphase)
Cells spend 90% of their time here. During the S-Phase, DNA undergoes Replication, resulting in Sister Chromatids held together by a Centromere.
Part 2: The Phases (PMAT)
Prophase: Chromosomes Condense, Nuclear Envelope disappears, and Spindle Fibers begin to form.Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the Middle (Cell Equator).Anaphase: Chromatids are pulled Apart toward opposite poles.Telophase: Two new nuclei form around the separated DNA.Cytokinesis: The physical splitting of the Cytoplasm resulting in two cells.
Classroom Discussion Prompts
"Why is it crucial that DNA replication happens *before* the nucleus begins to dissolve?"
"If you were looking through a microscope at real cells, which phase do you think you'd see most often? Why?"
Differentiation Strategies
For Struggling Learners
Focus on the "Hand Mnemonic": Fingers together (Prophase), palms together flat (Metaphase), pulling fingers apart (Anaphase).
For Advanced Learners
Ask them to predict what would happen if a cell skipped the G2 checkpoint or if the spindle fibers failed to attach to a kinetochore.
Copy Shop Slides Cellular Mechanics
Copy Shop
The High-Definition Guide to Mitosis & Genetic Replication
How do you make an exact copy of a blueprint while the house is still standing?
Mitosis ensures that every new cell gets the full instruction manual.
Stage 1: The Blueprint
"Measure twice, cut once."
DNA Replication
Occurs during S-Phase of Interphase.
Sister Chromatids
Identical copies joined at the centromere.
The Full 6-Stage Cycle
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
STAGE 5
STAGE 6
PMAT: The Core Cycle
P
PROPHASE
Chromosomes Pack up and get ready to move.
M
METAPHASE
Chromosomes meet in the Middle.
A
ANAPHASE
Chromatids pull Away from each other.
T
TELOPHASE
Two Territories (Nuclei) form.
Identify the Phase
Which PMAT is this?
Daughter Cells
The end result of mitosis is two genetically identical daughter cells. Each one is a perfect clone of the parent cell.
Mitosis Map Worksheet Mitosis Map
Student Guided Notes: Cellular Mechanics
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Part 1: Preparing the Blueprint
Most of a cell's life is spent in ________________________. This is when the cell grows and does its job. Before a cell can divide, it must perform DNA ________________________ . This happens during the ________ Phase of Interphase.
Anatomy of a replicated chromosome
Identical halves:Sister ________________
Holding point:____________________
Sketch a Replicated Chromosome
Part 2: Mitosis Phases (PMAT)
Watch the slides carefully. In the sketch column, draw the unique shape or arrangement of chromosomes for each phase.
Phase Key Visual Change Sketch a Clue Prophase Chromosomes __________ up. The nuclear __________ dissolves. Metaphase Chromosomes line up in the __________ of the cell. Anaphase Sister chromatids are pulled __________ toward the poles. Telophase Two new __________ begin to form.
The Finish Line
The final division of the cytoplasm is called ________________________ .
We end with ________ identical daughter cells from 1 parent cell.
Phase Finder Anchor Chart Phase Finder
THE CELL CYCLE CHEAT SHEET
Interphase
90% of the life cycle. Growth & DNA Replication .
Prophase
Chromosomes Pack . Nucleus fades.
Metaphase
Chromosomes line up in the Middle .
Anaphase
Chromatids pull Away to poles.
Telophase
Two new nuclei form.
Cytokinesis
Cytoplasm cuts into 2 Daughter Cells .
Sister Chromatids
Identical copies of a chromosome made during S-Phase.
Centromere
The "glue" that holds sister chromatids together.
Spindle Fibers
Protein ropes that pull chromosomes apart.
Mitosis Exit Ticket Mitosis Exit Ticket
Phase Check
Name: ________________________
Period: ____
1. Identify the phase above:
_________________________________
2. Evidence seen in the diagram:
_________________________________
3. If a parent cell has 12 chromosomes, how many will each daughter cell have?
6
12
24
4. Why must DNA double BEFORE mitosis begins?
Mitosis Exit Ticket
Phase Check
Name: ________________________
Period: ____
1. Identify the phase above:
_________________________________
2. Evidence seen in the diagram:
_________________________________
3. If a parent cell has 12 chromosomes, how many will each daughter cell have?
6
12
24
4. Why must DNA double BEFORE mitosis begins?
Exit Ticket Answer Key Answer Key
Mitosis Exit Ticket
1. Visual Identification
Anaphase
Clue: The chromatids are being pulled Away or Apart to opposite sides of the cell.
2. Chromosome Count
If a parent cell has 46 chromosomes, each daughter cell will have:
46
Teacher Note: Mitosis creates clones. The DNA is replicated in S-phase specifically so that both cells get the full set of 46.
3. Conceptual Understanding
Why must DNA replicate before the cell begins to divide?
"To ensure that both daughter cells receive a complete and identical set of genetic instructions."
Quick Grading Rubric
3/3 Mastered
Correct phase, correct math, logical explanation.
2/3 Progressing
Correct phase/math but unclear explanation.
0-1/3 Review
Confusing mitosis with meiosis or lacking key replication concepts.
