Purpose

This interactive module explores the phases, checkpoints, and protein regulators of the cell cycle. The module also shows how mutations in genes that encode cell cycle regulators can lead to the development of cancer.

Instructions

Complete the interactive experience The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer at hhmi BioInteractive website. Once you have the website loaded, select Start Interactive to begin.
Take notes of any interesting ideas or useful concepts and include them in your Evidence Notebook.
Respond to the following for activity 5.1.4 in your Lesson 5.1 Worksheet:
- After reading the information and watching the videos in the “Background” tab on the right side of the The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer site, respond to questions 1 – 6 in the lab section of the Worksheet.
- On the Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer site, click on the purple section labeled “Cell Cycle Phases” as well as the words “Mitosis” and “Interphase” to read an overview of the cell cycle. You can also click on the various phases. Then answer these questions.
  1. Cells go through periods of growth and division. Cell division occurs during ____________________. The rest of the cell cycle is called interphase, during which ____________________.
  2. Fill in the details about what happens during the three phases of interphase labeled in the diagram.
  3. In general, what is the purpose of a checkpoint in the cell cycle?
  4. What is the G₀ phase of the cell cycle?
    1. Which factors determine whether a cell enters G₀?
    2. Can cells leave G₀?
- On the Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer site, click on “Cell Cycle Regulators and Cancer” in the center purple circle. Read the “Regulators Overview” and then read through the “Cancer Overview” and watch the videos. Then answer these questions.
  1. What are cell cycle regulators?
    1. Stimulating proteins are encoded by _________________________________.
      Examples include: _______________________________________________
    2. Inhibitory proteins are encoded by ____________________________________.
      Examples include: _________________________________________________
  2. Cancer is the result of an improperly regulated cell cycle. Describe two reasons why cells can form tumors.
  3. In some types of colon cancer, stem cells have a mutation in the APC gene. What happens if the APC gene is mutated?
  4. Normally, proto-oncogenes stimulate the cell cycle. What are oncogenes and how do they affect the cell cycle?
    1. To cause cancer, proto-oncogenes require _________ allele(s) to be mutated and therefore are considered ______________________ . The mutation results in a ________ of function.
  5. Normally, tumor suppressor genes inhibit the cell cycle. How do mutated tumor suppressor genes affect the cell cycle?
    1. To cause cancer, tumor suppressor genes require __________ allele(s) to be mutated and therefore are considered ______________________ . The mutation results in a ________ of function.

Worksheet Guidelines

Include your responses from above for activity 5.1.4 in your Lesson 5.1 Worksheet.
Be sure to save your worksheet. Click NEXT below to go to the next Activity.

Assignment Resources

The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer
- “The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer Interactive Experience.” hhmi BioInteractive, www.biointeractive.org/classroom-resources/eukaryotic-cell-cycle-and-cancer.