How to Make a Homemade Mitosis Flip Book

Mitosis is a process in which one cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. This six-step progression starts with prophase, in which the number of chromosomes doubles, and moves all the way through cytokinesis, the ending stage that results in two separate cells. Children who are students of biology can create a simple mitosis flip book that represents each stage and step. After the book is completed the pages can be quickly tuned or flipped through to animate the cellular process.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock paper
• Markers
• Stapler with staples
• Masking tape
• Scissors

Instructions

Craft a Mitosis Flip Book

1. Cut the card stock paper into seven identical-size squares. Each square should be approximately 6 by 6 inches in size.

2. Use the markers to draw a cell in interphase. This is when the cell is preparing for mitosis. Draw a circle to represent the cell, with a smaller circle inside for the nucleus. Chromosomes can be drawn by making small angle shaped (v-shaped) lines. Set the drawing aside.

3. Use the next paper square for prophase. Draw (with a marker) a larger circle for the cell and a smaller, inner circle for the nucleus. During this phase the two centrioles move to the opposite ends of cell. Draw the centrioles as tubes or lines at each end of the inner circle (nucleus). By late prophase the number of chromosomes in the cell has doubled from 46 to 92. Draw a representation of this by making small x's inside of the smaller circle. Set this drawing aside.

4. Draw an oval on the next paper square to represent prometaphase. The change in shape is due to a widening and flattening of the cell. During this stage the cell's nucleus has dissolved and microtubules (straight hollow cylinders) appear. Draw several small, thin lines across the oval as microtubules. Add in x shapes as chromosomes. At this point the chromosomes are beginning to move. Draw the x's in a scattered or staggered pattern. Set the card aside.

5. Take the fourth card, and draw a flattened oval on it with a marker. This will be the metaphase stage in which the chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. Repeat a similar drawing to that of the prometaphase stage, but instead of making random or scattered x chromosome shapes, draw the x's in a straight line down the center of the oval. Set this card aside.

6. The fifth card will be used for anaphase. During anaphase the chromosomes separate and begin to pull apart toward opposite sides of the cell. Draw an oval as the cell, and small v shapes (half of an x shape) attached to thin microtubule lines at either end. Set the card aside.

7. Draw a larger oval that is pinched inward in the middle on another piece of the card stock. The slight dip, or pinch, of the oval inward will represent that cell getting ready to divide. This card will depict telophase. In the telophase stage the chromosomes are now on opposite sides of the cell and new nuclear membranes are forming around each daughter nuclei. Draw the v shapes on either side of the oval. Do not include microtubule lines, as they have dispersed. Set the card aside.

8. Draw the cytokinesis step onto the last card with a marker by making two circles of the same size. Cytokinesis results in the formation of two separate daughter cells. Each cell has its own nucleus and chromosomes. Draw the nucleus as a smaller circle inside of the larger cellular circles. Add v-shaped chromosomes to each circle.

9. Stack the drawn picture cards together in order staring with interphase on top and ending with cytokinesis on the bottom. Staple the cards at the top to form a book. Add a piece of masking tape over the front and back top of the book to cover the staples.

10. Flip the pages of the book quickly to animate the mitosis process.

Tips & Warnings

• Draw the different cell circles or ovals in roughly the same space on each piece of card stock. This will help with the animation process when the pages are flipped.

• Older children may want to add more detail. Use thin or fine markers for more intricate drawings.

• Construction paper or printer paper may be used if card stock is not available.

• Adult supervision is always required during this, or any other, arts and crafts project.

• Only use materials that are clearly labeled as nontoxic and child safe.

• Children should not be allowed to use a stapler. A parent or adult should complete the stapling step.

References

• University of Arizona: The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
• BA Education: Mitosis

Resources

• Biology 4 Kids: Mitosis