Name_______________________ Per____
Cell Cycle “Flip” Book
150 points
Introduction:
All cells go through what is known as the “cell cycle”. Interphase, the cycle where the cell spends the most time.
The chromatids are duplicated and prepares for cell division. Interphase is broken down into the G1, S, and G2
phases. Mitosis is a process of cell division which results in the production of two daughter cells from a single
parent cell. The daughter cells are identical to one another and to the original parent cell. So far in class, we have
discussed the entire cell cycle, analyzed the structure of chromosomes, and gone through the different phases of
cell division.
Purpose: For students to create a
visual aid to help them understand the
cell cycle. This includes all phases of
mitosis, cytokinesis, and stages of
interphase.
Materials:
 3 - 4 sheets of white paper
(sturdy)
 Markers, crayons or colored
pencils
 Stapler (something to bind book)
 Scissors
 Textbook as a guide
Method:
1. To make a good flip-book, each
successive picture should vary
a tiny bit from the preceding
picture. When you flip the
book, the animation should be
fairly smooth. Suggest at least 35 or 40 pages in total. My recommendation to you would be to draw the
final product of each phase in the cell cycle, and then complete the connecting pages, which will allow for
smooth transitions.
2. Imagine mitosis as a smooth process. Mitosis doesn’t happen in 4 or 5 static frames, the way it’s depicted
in textbooks. Emphasize the movement of chromosomes, and the replication and divisions of
chromosomes. Your cell should start mitosis with 4 complete chromosomes.
3. Use the textbook diagrams to help draw the cell in mitosis. Remember the changes to chromosomes, the
nuclear membrane, spindle fibers, cell membrane, etc. Having a solid understanding in the phases of
mitosis, cytokinesis, and interphase will help you immensely. Use internet resources for additional
information.
Procedure:
1. Starting with a single sheet of white paper (heavier paper); fold the paper into 8 equal sections. These will
make the pages to your flipbook. You can later glue these to index cards if preferred (be creative).
2. Cut the sections apart making sure each section is the same size.
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 with the other sheets of typing paper.
4. You will need to cut one additional sheet to make a cover sheet for your flip book.
5. Using the numbered mitosis template sheet as a guide (on webpage), sketch each picture ENLARGED
onto a sheet of your flipbook. **Don’t forget ** You must add a few pages for interphase and cytokinesis!
Remember, this is just a template – all flipbooks should be hand drawn and Mitosis should start with 4
chromosomes. If you do not want to use template – that is fine!
6. Use markers, colored pencils, or crayons to color chromosomes, centromeres, etc.
BE SURE TO USE THE COLOR KEY ON THIS SHEET (THE SAME COLOR FOR EACH CELL PART ON EACH
PAGE).
7. Write a small number 1-40* or however many pages you have, in the lower right corner of each sheet, in
order to put them in the correct order in your flip book.
8. Once all the pages have been drawn, place them in the correct order with your cover sheet on top.
9. Cover sheet should include ---- a creative cover that is colorful and unique. Make sure to include the title of
your book, name, class, and period. – Creating a cover on the computer is always an option.
10. Behind each of the pages, I want you to label which phase you are depicting in your drawing.
11. Staple your booklet so you can “flip” pages and see mitosis animated.
Results:
Fill in the following table by entering the frame number range that corresponds to each of the phases of the
cell cycle. Include a list of structures that can be seen in cells at each phase.
STAGES
FRAME NUMBERS
(RANGE)
STRUCTURES THAT CAN BE SEEN IN CELLS
INTERPHASE
PROPHASE
METAPHASE
ANAPHASE
TELOPHASE
CYTOKINESIS
Cell Membrane –
Nuclear membrane –
Cytoplasm –
Nucleolus –
BLACK
PURPLE
YELLOW
PINK
Chromatin –
Chromosomes –
Centrioles –
Spindle fibers –
GREY
RED
GREEN
ORANGE
Grading Criteria – 150 points
A complete “Flip Book” should include the following:
_______ Cover page (colorful) – with proper title of your book, name, class, and period clearly labeled.
_______ The flipbook depicts the proper number of chromosomes and accurately displays cell division.
_______ The flipbook is stapled or bound together so that no pages are loose.
_______ All pages are numbered and in order.
_______ Your flipbook is hand drawn and contains the entire cell cycle (Mitosis, Cytokinesis, and Interphase).
_______ Each page is color coded appropriately (this includes all visible structures).
_______ The back of each page has its phase labeled.
_______ The flipbook shows a smooth transition between all phases – it is evident that time was spent on this.
You book is not difficult to flip.
_______ There are enough pages to show the entire cell cycle.
_______ Neatness and Organization.
Optional Project (150 points): For those who are technologically saavy, you may construct a
video to show the phases of the cell cycle. This will be in place of the flipbook. Follow the criteria for
the flipbook as closely as possible. For example, a title/introduction section must be present. Smooth
transitions must be evident from phase to phase of the cell cycle. All visible structures must be color
coded. If you want to add audio to explain what is happening that would be great. Creativity is
welcomed. E-mail me if you have questions about choosing this optional project.
**Extra credit will be available if one decides to do this in addition to the “Flip Book”**