Estimating the Time Needed for Mitosis

In this lab activity from the Biotechnology Alliance for Suncoast Biology Educators (BASBE), students will learn the phases of mitosis and determine the approximate time it takes for plant and animal cells to pass through each of the four stages of mitosis. They do this by counting the number of onion root tip cells and whitefish blastula cells in each of the four phases of mitosis and in interphase. It also includes discussion questions that can be used to illustrate the concept with out completing the activities. The lesson includes background information on mitosis, the materials needed, and the procedure.