Lab

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Experiment 2: The Importance of Cell Cycle Control

Some environmental factors can cause genetic mutations which result in a lack of proper cell cycle control

(mitosis). When this happens, the possibility for uncontrolled cell growth occurs. In some instances, uncon-

trolled growth can lead to tumors, which are often associated with cancer, or other biological diseases.

In this experiment, you will review some of the karyotypic differences which can be observed when compar-

ing normal, controlled cell growth and abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. A karyotype is an image of the

complete set of diploid chromosomes in a single cell.

Procedure:

1. Begin by constructing a hypothesis to explain what differences you might observe when comparing the

karyotypes of human cells which experience normal cell cycle control versus cancerous cells (which

experience abnormal, or a lack of, cell cycle control). Record your hypothesis in Post-Lab Question 1.

Note: Be sure to include what you expect to observe, and why you think you will observe these fea-

tures. Think about what you know about cancerous cell growth to help construct this information

2. Go online to find some images of abnormal karyotypes, and normal karyotypes. The best results will

come from search terms such as “abnormal karyotype”, “HeLa cells”, “normal karyotype”, “abnormal

chromosomes”, etc. Be sure to use dependable resources which have been peer-reviewed

3. Identify at least five abnormalities in the abnormal images. Then, list and draw each image in the Data

section at the end of this experiment. Do these abnormalities agree with your original hypothesis?

Hint: It may be helpful to count the number of chromosomes, count the number of pairs, compare

the sizes of homologous chromosomes, look for any missing or additional genetic markers/flags,

etc.

Materials

*Computer Access

*Internet Access

*You Must Provide

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Data

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