Gummy Worm Meiosis

Lab Instructions
Objectives:

 The student will understand the meiosis occurs only in the sex cells and involves two divisions, as compared to
one division in mitosis.
 The student will know the stages of meiosis and understand what is occurring in each step.
 The student will understand the purpose of chromosomes in the process of meiosis.
 The student will understand that meiosis is essential for the process of reproduction.

Materials:
Material Meiosis Component
4 Gummy worms
(2 pair of the same color)
Toothpick
Paper Towel
String Candy
M&Ms
Scissors

Procedure:
**Extra credit - Take a picture of each step to create a PowerPoint that includes each step and a brief description
of what is occurring. **

Interphase 1:
 Obtain 4 gummy worms and place them on a clean paper towel. Note- each gummy worm will count as 1
chromatid
 Use the M&Ms to represent the centrioles.
 Use the string to create a nuclear envelope around the sister chromatids.

Prophase 1:
 Create 2 pairs of sister chromatids with the 4 of gummy worms. Note-make sure you put the matching colors
together. Use the toothpick to hold the sister chromatids together to represent the centromere, the two pairs of
sister chromatids represent a set of
homologous chromosomes.
 Cut off a 1 cm from the bottom of one
chromatid from each pair and switch them to
indicate crossing over.
 Use the string to create a nuclear envelope.
 Place the centrioles in the appropriate location
within your cell.
 Use the string candy to create spindle fibers

Metaphase 1:
 Line Homologous Chromosomes down the middle of the cell (paper towel)
 Attach the spindle fibers appropriately to the centromere of the sister chromatids
 Move the centrioles to the appropriate location within the cell.

Anaphase 1:
 Move the spindle fibers appropriately to represent the pulling apart of the homologous chromosomes.
 Take each of the homologous chromosomes and move them to opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase 1
 The homologous chromosomes should now be at opposite ends of the cell.
 Use the string to create two new nuclei. (Use your scissors to cut the string to create two new nuclei)
 The spindle fibers should no longer be present. (set aside - do not eat!)

Cytokinesis
 As the cell starts to divide into two cells it starts to form a cleavage furrow. Carefully pull apart the “cell” partway
to represent this.
 Eventually, completely separate the paper towel “cell” all the way across to show that cytokinesis has occurred.
 You should have two diploid cells.

Prophase 2:
 You should now have 2 separate “cells” with one pair of sister chromatids in each.
 Ensure your nuclear envelope and centrioles are present and in the appropriate location.

Metaphase 2:
 Line the chromosomes along the middle of each cell
 Attach the spindle fibers to the centromere.
 Move the centrioles to the appropriate location within the cell.

Anaphase 2:
 Move the spindle fibers appropriately to represent the pulling apart of the sister chromatids.
 Split the sister chromatids apart and move them to opposite ends of the cells
 Ensure your centrioles are in the appropriate location within each cell.

Telophase 2:
 The chromatids should now be at opposite ends of each cell. (Each should have 1 single stranded chromosome –
gummy worm)
 Spindle fibers should no longer be present
 Use the string to create four new nuclei. (Use scissors to cut the string and create two new nuclei)

Cytokinesis:
 Split the paper towel down the middle to represent cytokinesis in each cell to create 4 individual cells with a
nucleus and one chromatid.

Name: ______________________________________ Date: Class: 2A 4A 6B 8B

Gummy Worm Meiosis Lab

Assessment Questions:
1. What is the purpose of Meiosis?

2. What are homologous chromosomes?

3. Which stage are there homologous chromosomes lined up down the middle of the cell?

4. Which stage are there sister chromatids lined up down the middle of the cell?

5. When does independent assortment occur?

6. Describe the result of independent assortment.

7. What does it mean to be diploid? Give an example of a diploid cell

8. What does it mean to be haploid? Give an example of a haploid cell

9. At the end of Meiosis I

a. How many cells are there?

b. Are they haploid or diploid?

10. At the end of Meiosis II

a. How many cells are there?

b. Are they haploid or diploid?

11. Drawing Conclusions: Look at your four gametes. How does meiosis lead to increased genetic variation? (consider
crossing over)

12. Predicting: How would the gametes be affected if a pair of chromatids failed to separate in the second meiotic
division?
13. Explain: Meiosis is often described as a reduction division process. Explain how this is an accurate description for
the process.

14. Exploring: What is meant by the statement: “Meiosis results in gene segregation”?

Name of Phase Description

1. Homologous chromosomes pair up
2. Spindle fibers move homologous chromosomes to opposite sides
3. Nuclear membrane reforms, cytoplasm divides, 4 daughter cells formed
4. Chromosomes line up along equator, not in homologous pairs
5. Crossing-over occurs
6. Chromatids separate
7. Homologs line up alone equator
8. Cytoplasm divides, 2 daughter cells are formed