In class we modeled mitosis using pipe cleaners and string. Here are my photos to walk you through each stage of the process.

Materials:

white string – nucleus and cell membrane

pink string – spindle fibers

pipe cleaners – chromatin

beads – genes

 

Interphase:

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What the cell looks like most of it’s life, before mitosis begins

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DNA inside the nucleus is copied and duplicated

 

Prophase:

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The replicated DNA molecules join together to form sister chromatids

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Spindle fibers appear in the cell

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The spindle fibers each attach to one of the sister chromosomes

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The nucleus disappears

 

Metaphase:

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Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell

 

Anaphase:

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The sister chromatids are separated and the halves move to the opposite sides of the cell, pulled by the spindle fibers

 

Telophase:

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Spindle fibers disappear

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Two nuclear membranes form around the chromatin on either side of the cell

 

Cytokinesis:

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After mitosis occurs the cell divides into two identical cells