Module 5
1. Module 5
1.2. In this Module
Module 5—Cell Division: The Processes of Mitosis and Meiosis
In This Module
Inquiry Question: How do cellular processes allow for growth, healing, and reproduction in supporting the survival of organisms?
There are six lessons in Module 5.
Most of the lessons are designed to take 80 minutes to complete; however, some lessons may take longer because of the significance of the concept being covered in the lesson. The suggested lesson times do not include the time needed to complete such activities as “Try This,” “Watch and Listen,” assignments, practice questions, review, or research.
Module 5 in Unit C corresponds to Chapters 16 to 18, or pages 546 to 671, in your textbook. Before you begin your comprehensive study of the lessons, you may wish to read Chapter 16, pages 546 to 583, for an overview.
Lesson 1: Cell Division and Chromosomes
In this lesson you will identify types of cellular division and understand the function and purpose of each. 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 do they occur?
- What are the structures that pass genetic information on to the next generation, and how are they observed?
Lesson 2: The 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 parent cell.
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 it 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 testing and working with embryonic cells.
In this lesson the following focusing questions will be examined:
- How do chromosome disorders occur, and why does their occurrence increase with maternal age?
- How can embryonic cells be used, and what technologies exist to test the genetic condition of an unborn fetus?
Lesson 6: Variation in 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 reproductive strategies?