Lesson 3.5 Teacher’s Guide

Cells: Cell Division in eukaryotic cells and Cancer

Standards:

9.4.1.2Cells and cell structures have specific functions that allow an organism to grow, survive and reproduce.

Benchmarks:

9.4.1.2.6 Explain the process of mitosis in the formation of identical new cells and maintaining chromosome number during asexual reproduction.
9.4.4.2.5 Recognize that a gene mutation in a cell can result in uncontrolled cell division called cancer, and how exposure of cells to certain chemicals and radiation increases mutations and thus increases the chance of cancer.

Tentative Timeline:

3.5.1	Introduction to cell division (1 day)
3.5.2	Phases of mitosis (up to 2 days with lab)
3.5.3	Cytokinesis(2 days) Formative online cell division quiz Mitosis Lab, Key to the lab (This lab requires Flash and will not run natively on iOS devices. If you’re using iPads, here is an alternative virtual mitosis lab.) Additional activities for mitosis
3.5.4	Cancer cells (1-2 days) 3.5.4a Formative quiz: cancer cells

While the treatments for cancer were not in the scope of this lesson, new research has shown promising results in terms of targeting cancer cells directly.This short video, PAY ATTENTION TO THE PASSENGER: A new therapeutic target in cancer cell DNA, explains this quite well and instructors may wish to share this with their students.

Another useful video instructors may wish to incorporate is:

Cancer Biology Animations and Videos

Key for Cell cycle worksheet: http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cellcycle_labelme_key.html

Lesson 3.5Cell division in eukaryotessuggested answer keys

3.5.4a Quick quiz: cancer cells

1.Cancer cells are different from normal cells because they reproduce at a much faster rate; they do not form single layers of cells (resulting in the creation of tumors); they are not responsive to cell cycle signals.

2. Two major groups of genes appear to be involved in the development of cancer: proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.When mutations occur in specific areas of these genes, cells begin to divide abnormally.This is especially true for mutations in the region of the gene that codes for cyclin p53.

3. Changes in the cell cycle, in terms of cells failing to respond to the chemical signals that determine the timing, as well as those involved with the checkpoints, may influence the development of cancer.If cells that are determined to be abnormal at a checkpoint event in the cell cycle are not able to die, cancer may develop.

4. Risk factors include: smoking, a high fat diet, exposure to UV light, exposure to certain chemicals, family history of cancer and many others.

Links to Relatively Recent Research for Lesson 3.5

http://www.cancer.org/research/index

http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter

http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/cancer/

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-28443865 (possible blood test for cancer)

Links to information on a scientist for Lesson 3.5

http://www.fhcrc.org/en/diseases/featured-researchers/torok-storb-beverly.html