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Module 5 Cell Division

In this Module

Lesson 1: Cell Division and Chromosomes

In this lesson you will identify the types of cellular division and understand their function and purpose. You will be able to recognize the structures within the cell that carry genetic information. You will learn about the significance of chromosome number in cells, and learn how to read a picture of human chromosomes.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • What kinds of cell division exist and when are they used?
  • What are the structures that pass genetic information to the next generation, and how are they observed?

 

Lesson 2: Cell Cycle and Cancer

In this lesson you will learn to identify the phases of the cell cycle. You will learn how a normal cell regulates this cycle, and how some cells can exit the cycle or may even ignore these clues.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • What are the stages and phases of the cell cycle?
  • Do all cells have the same ability to reproduce and does this change with age?

 

Lesson 3: Mitosis

In this lesson you will learn to describe the stages of mitosis. You will learn why this type of growth is important and how new daughter cells compare to their parents.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • How are the phases of mitosis identified and described?
  • How does mitosis maintain consistency in plants and animals?

 

Lesson 4: Meiosis

In this lesson you will learn to describe the stages of meiosis, you will come to understand when meiosis is necessary and how it differs from mitosis. You will learn the major sources of genetic diversity, and why this is important to a species.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • How does meiosis contribute to genetic variation?
  • What differences exist between fraternal and identical twins?

 

Lesson 5: Cell Cycle Disorders and Genetic Testing

Cell reproduction does not always proceed as planned. In this lesson you will learn of common disorders resulting from improper cell division and you will be asked to consider the ethical issues involved in prenatal tests and working with embryonic cells.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • How do chromosome disorders occur and why does their occurence increase with age?
  • How can embryonic cells be used, and what tests may be done on an unborn fetus?

 

Lesson 6: Variation and Reproductive Strategies

In this lesson you will learn about the wide variety of reproductive strategies found in different organisms. You will also gain an appreciation for the variety of ways species balance their life cycles.

 

In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:

  • What are the advantages or disadvantages of different reproductive strategies?
  • Why do some organisms vary their chosen reproductive strategy?