Module 5 Introduction
Completion requirements
Module 5 — Cell Division: The Processes of Mitosis and Meiosis
Introduction
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In living organisms, the production of new cells is essential. New cells replace damaged cells, they allow for growth, and they are the basis of organism reproduction. Cells divide to form more new cells by either mitosis or meiosis. You should be familiar
with some of the basics of mitosis from previous science courses.
In this module, you will build on that knowledge as you examine the cell cycle of division and compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis. You will examine the opportunities for variation that exist during cell division, and you will become familiar with technologies that allow you to observe that variation. You will discover that, although organisms do not all use the same reproductive strategies, the basic principles are universal.
Similar to other biological processes, cell division has its complications. Cancer is an example of mitotic cell division gone wrong. Cancerous cells divide at uncontrolled rates to cause abnormal mass cells. In this module, you will develop further your understanding of cell division.
In this module, you will build on that knowledge as you examine the cell cycle of division and compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis. You will examine the opportunities for variation that exist during cell division, and you will become familiar with technologies that allow you to observe that variation. You will discover that, although organisms do not all use the same reproductive strategies, the basic principles are universal.
Similar to other biological processes, cell division has its complications. Cancer is an example of mitotic cell division gone wrong. Cancerous cells divide at uncontrolled rates to cause abnormal mass cells. In this module, you will develop further your understanding of cell division.
Suggested Timeline
This module has five lessons. Please use the following suggested timeline to help you keep on track. Keep in mind that the number of hours required on each lesson varies among students. Some may find that they require significantly more time to study
the course material; others who have completed this course before might require less time. Use the following table as a guide to set your own personal timeline to complete this course.
| Lesson | Topic |
Suggested Number of Hours
on the Lesson
|
Equivalent Number of
Classes in School
|
| 1 |
Cell Division and Chromosomes
|
6 hours
|
2.5 classes
|
| 2 |
Mitosis
|
5 hours
|
2 classes
|
| 3 |
Meiosis
|
6 hours
|
2.5 classes
|
| 4 |
Formation of Gametes
|
5 hours
|
2 classes
|
| 5 |
Variation in Reproductive Strategies
|
3 hours
|
1 class
|
© Getty Images
If you plan to spend about 2 hours per day on this course, you might complete this module in about 2.5 weeks.
Assignments
There are three assignments in this module. Assignment 5A and 5B are computer graded and you will receive immediate feedback. Assignment 5C contains written response type questions and will not be computer graded.
|
Assignment
|
Topic |
Number of Questions
|
Total Marks
|
|
Assignment 5A
|
Lessons 1 ~ 2
|
37 Questions
|
37 Marks
|
|
Assignment 5B
|
Lessons 3 ~ 5
|
39 Questions
|
41.5 Marks
|
|
Assignment 5C (Written)
|
Lessons 1 ~ 5
|
12 Questions
|
47 Marks
|