Mitosis (10/10 - 10/13)

Image Source: https://goo.gl/fDKOK7

Summary:

      Cell replication, or also known as Mitosis, is a process in where one cell replicates itself to make another copy of itself. Mitosis is used for things such as healing. When you have a wound, your body closes it off by replicating cells and covering up the wound. There are 6 stages of Mitosis: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis. The first phase- the interphase, is where the cell grows to its mature and proper size and makes sure that it has the right amount of organelles. The cell also makes a copy of its DNA and Centrioles. The next step is the metaphase. In the metaphase, the nucleus replicates itself and the centrioles go to opposite sides of the cell and create spindle fibers which go across the cell. The spindle fibers stretch and pull therefore having all chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell, each being attached to a spindle fiber. The next phase is the anaphase. In the anaphase, the centrioles pull, splitting the chromosomes into chromatids and pulling them to opposite ends of the cell. Once that is done, the Telophase happens. In the telophase, the centrioles pull away from each other until the cell is nearly split. For each newly replicated cell a nucleus is created. The final step of Mitosis is cytokinesis where the cells pinch inward dividing the cytoplasm into two. The DNA is also replicated in this step.

SP6 - Constructing Explanations:

     This week I evaluated information to explain each process of the Cell Cycle/Mitosis. I also explained how mitosis works through a flip-book. In the flip-book it showed the 6 stages of the Cell Cycle animated (kind of). It showed what happened in each step and how each step leads up to the cell eventually splitting into two. Prior to making the flip book, I did some research about Mitosis using Gizmo to simulate cell division. One part of my research I illustrated each step of cell division, explained what happened in each step, This infornation helped me out when making the flip book later on.

XCC - Stability and Change:

       One system I've noticed was the Cell Cycle. This system occurs normally when the body is physically injured. Once the body is injured, cells split themselves into two and duplicate them selves to cover up the wound. When the wound is fully healed, cells will stop duplicating. This is one of the systems I identified this week. This system is usually stable for everybody. However, it can go unstable. The Cell Cycle is usually monitored and is controlled. butut if it not controlled, the cells will duplicate at a fast rate without ever stopping. This causes many diseases including cancer and is deadly to those who have it.