Data:
Record the number of cells you observed in each part of the lab activity.
Number of Cells in Part 1
Number of Cells in Part 2
Interphase
34
49
Prophase
8
13
Metaphase
3
4
Anaphase
2
3
Telophase
2
4
Cytokinesis
1
3
Observations:
Record any observations about the cells you observed. What does the cell look like for each stage? What is a distinguishing visible feature of each stage of the cell cycle?
Description of cell
Interphase
Chromatin hasn’t become the distinct x shape of connected chromatids
Prophase
You can see some x shapes but they are not lined up
Metaphase
the chromosomes are lined up in the middle
Anaphase
the chromosomes have been pulled apart
Telophase
the nuclueouses are starting to form again and the chromatids are fully separated
Cytokinesis
The plant was is starting to form
Data Analysis:
Part 1: Calculate the percentage of the cell cycle spent in each stage using the following formula:
Number of cells in this stage ÷ total number of cells counted × 100 = % of the cell cycle spent in this stage
Example: 100 cells were counted and 25 were found to be in anaphase. To calculate the percent of cells in anaphase 25/100 = 0.25; 0.25 X 100 = 25%
Percent of Cells in Phase (Part 1)
Percent of Cells in Phase (Part 2)
Interphase
68%
65.3%
Prophase
16%
17.3%
Metaphase
6%
5.3%
Anaphase
4%
4%
Telophase
4%
5.3%
Cytokinesis
2%
4%
Questions:
Using what you have learned in the lesson and the virtual lab activity, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Be sure to type your answers in the answer boxes provided.
What differences can you see when you compare the nucleus of a dividing cell with that of a non-dividing cell?
The Nucleus is either perforated or non existent when in a dividing cell compared to the distinct nucleus of a non-dividing cell.
Based on your data, what can you infer about the length of time spent in each stage of the cell cycle?
The most time is spent in Interphase and as you go through IPMATC the duration of time spent in each phase shortans with the least amount of time being spent in Telophase and cytokinesis.
What stages were the longest and shortest? Give a brief explanation of why these stages may have that time period.
Interphase is the longest as it is preparing for the cell division and Cytokinesis is the shortest because it is just wrapping things up and has the least complicated job.
If your observation had not been restricted to the tip of the onion root, how would the results be different?
The results would have been different as there would have been more cells in the interphase because cells that are not from the root tip and therefore aren’t rapidly growing wouldn’t need to divide as often and will remain in the interphase longer meaning when examining a portion from a section that is not a root tip you would have more cell in the interphase stage.
