Cell Cycle and Meiosis and Mitosis SetupStarring Ryan JahansoozWith Special Guests Tyler Voss, Zac Foster, Hunter Wolfbear Drobenaire, and PramFilmed on Location 10-1-2013 BIO 01 Lab Section #16Abstract:In this lab, we went over the processes involved in the cell cycle and mitosis. The cell cycle involves two duplication and preparation phases and is followed by a rapid series of minor sections that result in two new sister cells that are clones of the parent cell. We thought that the cycle would end with two perfect clones of the same cell. We tested this by taking a small sample slice of an onion root tip and setting it up on a slide to observe under a microscope. We used acid to dissolve the obstructive parts of the cell that blocked our view and added a dye to highlight the important strands of DNA. We were able to clearly see the multiple stages of cell division as well as each stage of mitosis. By the end of the lab, we had solidified what we had learned earlier this week; that the cell cycle mitosis results in two duplicate cells and is the primary method of cellular reproduction.Introduction:The cell cycle is a cycle that most cells go through to reproduce asexually. The cycle involves several stages that range from DNA duplication to separation. Most cells go through mitosis, which is a constant rotation in which one cell splits into two clones. Cells that are used for reproduction, such as sperm and egg cells, go through meiosis and end up with four slightly different variations of the parent cell. Both cycles begin with the duplication of DNA and the dissolving of the nuclear membrane. The cell then groups the DNA into multiple chromatids before splitting in half, with each half taking one of each chromosome. Mitosis, being the most common method of cell reproduction, is an important factor in the study of cells. It has two major parts and ends with a chain of five phases that result in two new cells that are clones of the parent cell. It begins with the duplication of all DNA in the nucleus. After a short time where the cell gathers energy and checks for any errors, he DNA is bunched up into fat bundles called chromatids and the nuclear wall is dissolved. The cell then enters the rapid process of division.Interphase: In this stage of the cell cycle, energy is gathered and stored in preparation for the tedious task of DNA replication and division.Division involves five small, but important, phases and ends in cytokinesis. The five phases are, in order of operation, prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.Prophase: The chromatin begins to condense and the nucleolus dissolves. Centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell. At this point, the chromosomes are visible under a microscope. Prometaphase: Proteins in the cell attach to the centromeres to create kinetochores. Microtubules attach to the chromosomes and cause them to move.Metaphase: Chromosomes line up down the center of the cell with the aid of spindle fibers.Anaphase: Microtubules and spindle fibers separate the chromatids at the kinetochores and pull them to each end of the cell.Telophase: The chromosomes arrive at each end of the cell and the cell membranes begin to reform as the cell begins to split. The chromosomes disperse and are no longer visible.Cytokinesis: The cell membranes completely form around the two new cells and the cycle is completed.In the lab, we focused on the different stages of the cell cycles and how to recognize each stage at a glance. This was accomplished by setting a series of cell models in order of which process they were undergoing in the cell cycle. After that, we made microscopes slides with plant matter and were able to see the specific stages of mitosis. Based on what we saw inthe cells, it seemed safe to say that the cell cycle is a process that all non- reproduction cells undergo and that each cycle is the same.Materials and Methods:The experimental procedures for this lab were adapted from a previously supplied protocol (Dulai, 2012). Unfortunately, in this lab we were unable to create a sample slide well enough to see thedetails of mitosis as they were happening. This is attributed to inexperience in such activities as well as a constrained time period which limited our number of attempts to procure a decent slide. We were also unable to complete the table in activity IC, but this was okay as the table was not required.Results:Section 1: MitosisIn this section of the lab, we focused completely on mitosis. It was important to us that we fully understood the details of the cell cycle so that we knew exactly what we were looking for when we began to use the microscope. To prepare ourselves, we examined a series of 3D plastic models of each stage of the cell cycle, including G1, S, G2, and M. These stages are described in detail in the introduction section of this report. The plastic models were set in order of occurrence and the results of the setup were displayed on the board and confirmed as correct by our TA. To ensure that we knew the differences between each stage, we answered a series of questions relating to mitosis. We learned that the nuclear membrane dissolves during prometaphase and reappears in telophase. The movement of chromosomes in the cell is attributed to microtubules that are attached in metaphase. It became apparent to us that each stage of the cycle was crucial to ensure that no problems were encountered.Once we had a solid grip on the theory behind mitosis, we set up our microscope with a prepared slide with a slice of onion root tips. From close examination of the slide, we were ableto identify each stage of mitosis as it was happening when the slide was made. We drew a picture of each stage and labeled the significant events and players in each part.Scan of Group Drawing:Our observations matched the plastic models of mitosis that we had practiced with earlier, so we were more confident in our hypothesis. To further solidify our conclusions, we painstakingly counted out the number of stages of mitosis that were happening. Out of one hundred cells, we were shocked to find that a vast majority was in interphase and only a rare few were in telophase, anaphase, or metaphase. We attributed this to errors occurring and the cells self- destruct safety mechanism kicking in to ensure that perfection was achieved. It also became clear to us that the easiest cells to find were the ones in prophase because these cells had the most condensed