Cell division is an important process in living

organisms. It is involved in the multiplication of cells for

growth and development of an organism. Moreover, cell
division plays a key role in repairing injured body parts
of animals. Hence, processes such as regeneration and

4
wound healing are affected by cell division.
Cell division can be viewed as a cycle, which can
be arbitrarily, categorized into two stages namely
interphase and mitosis. The interphase, wherein the cell
undergoes growth and prepares for cell division, might
comprise as much as 90% of the cycle. All the
necessary materials needed for cell divisions, which
include microtubule proteins among others, are
synthesized at this stage. Furthermore, to ensure that
CELL DIVISION- each daughter cell would have a complete set of
genetic material, actual replication of genetic material of
MITOSIS DNA occurs in this phase. Once the preparatory stages
are completed the cell undergoes the actual cell division
or mitosis. Although, mitosis comprises 10% of the
cycle, cell biologists consider several phases in mitosis
based on the different events occurring in the nucleus
and cytoplasm of the cell.
In this exercise, the different stages of the cell
cycle will be identified using a whitefish embryo at the
blastula stage. Cells making up this embryo are actively
undergoing cell divisions. Thus, such specimen can
readily show the different stages of the cell cycle.
Objectives At the end of the activity, the students
should be able to:

1. Identify the phases of the cell cycle

2. Identify the structures associated with each
phase of the cycle using the whitefish blastula
as specimen
3. Differentiate the different stages of mitosis
Materials
Prepared slide of whitefish blastula
Light microscope

Procedure
1. Obtain a prepared slide of cross section of whitefish blastula.

2. Focus under LPO. Observe that the section of the blastula contain several
cells revealing different phases of cell divisions.

3. Switch to HPO. Locate and identify the different stages of the cell cycle
using the descriptions below. Mitosis is a continuous process so that it is
likely to see intermediate stages.

A. Interphase: Look for a cell with a distinct nucleus that is with an intact
nuclear membrane. The genetic materials inside the nuclear appear as
thin, thread-like structures appropriately called chromatin. Within the
nucleus is 1 to 2 nucleoli; these are dense, darkly stained bodies
formed by several chromosomal materials that code for certain RNAs.
Near the nucleus is the centrosome which contains centrioles. The
centrioles may not readily be seen using the light microscope.

B. M-phase: Phase during which the cell divides. It is divided into four
stages:

a. Prophase: Locate a cell in which the nuclear membrane starts

to disintegrate or disappear. The chromatin fibers start to
appear as coiled, thickened, condensed structure forming
chromosomes that are visible under the light microscope.
Centrioles are seen in the opposite poles. Locate ray-like
microtubule bodies called asters radiating around each
centrioles and mitotic spindles forming between centrioles. The
nucleoli disappear at this stage.

b. Metaphase: The cell at this stage can readily be identified from

the rest of the phases of mitosis in that the chromosomes are
aligned at the equatorial region of the nucleus. At this stage, the
replicated chromosomes, which are much shorter and more
condensed, are readily recognized. The chromosomes are
made up of chromatids joined together at their central region
called centromere. A protein coat called kinetochore is found in
each of the sister chromatid. The spindle fibers are attached at
the centromere of each chromosome.

c. Anaphase: At this stage, look for a cell where the chromatids

are pulled apart toward the opposite poles. This stage is
differentiated into early and late stages depending on the
 distance travelled by the chromatids. Once the chromatids
separate, these are considered as chromosomes reaching the
opposite poles.

d. Telophase: Look for a cell where a cleavage furrow, a

constriction of the plasma membrane at the region of the
equatorial plate starts to appear. This is the start of early
telophase. At this stage the nuclear membrane and the
nucleolus start to reappear. The chromosomes begin to uncoil
and assume a threadlike appearance. The asters and mitotic
spindles disappear. At late telophase, the cleavage furrow
becomes more constricted leading to the formation of 2
daughter cells.

Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm usually, occurs along with
telophase. Completely separated daughter cells are formed soon after mitosis.

4. Be sure that the different stages of the cell cycle are observed and identified. Do
not rely so much on the photomicrograph and diagrams provided; there is still no real
substitute to an actual observation of the specimen.

References

Burns, R.D. and K.A. Stiles. 1997. Laboratory Explorations in General Zoology.
MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. pp. 15-19.

Campbell, N. 1966. Biology 4th Edition. Benjamin Cummings Publishing House. pp.
207-212.

Dolphin, W.D. 1997. Biology Laboratory Manual 4th Edition. WCB McGraw Hill. pp. 79-
90.

Hickman, F.M. and C.P. Hickman. 1984. Laboratory Studies in Integrated Zoology.
Times Mirror/College Publishing. pp. 26-30.