Download Cell Division Oreo Activity

Name ______________________________________________ Period _______________
Cell Division Oreo Activity
You started out as one cell. You are now over 30 trillion cells. Cells also die and have to be
replaced by new ones. How do you get new cells to grow and replace dead or damaged
ones? The answer is cell division. In this activity we will model how this happens with oreos yummy!
Background:
The life cycle of a cell is called the ​cell cycle​. ​Interphase​ is the period a cell spends growing
and performing its functions - a cell spends most of its’ time here. ​Mitosis​ is the part of the
cell cycle where the chromosomes are divided into 2 new nuclei. Two daughter cells are
formed, each containging a complete set if chromosomes. Mitosis has 4 phases: prophase,
metaphase, anaphase and telophase. After Mitosis, the cytoplasm and its contents divide,
separating the daughter cells (​cytokinesis​),
Materials:​(per group)
● 6 oreo cookies
● 2 Tablespoons assorted color rod-shaped candy sprinkles
● 6 toothpicks
Directions:
1. Using your textbook or trusted internet source, find an image of the cell cycle that
includes: ​interphase, ​mitosis (​prophase, metaphase, anaphase ​and ​telophase) ​ and
cytokinesis.
2. Using the imags you found, you will create a model for each stage of the cell cycle listed
above.
3. Carefully remove the top cookie from all 6 cookies by twisting the top cookie in a circular
motion while holding the bottom cookie with the other hand, The bottom cookie with the
cream filling attached will be used for the models. (Note: You may eat the top cookie, or
lay it aside).
4. Place the cookies on the sheet of construction paper.
5. The cream filling represents the cytoplasm of the cell. You must create the structures
inside the cell that play a role in the cell cycle by using the candy sprinkles to represent
the chromosome pairs and other sprinkles to represent the spindle fibers, centrioles , etc.
6. The toothpicks may be used to remove or divide the cytoplasm or to move around the
sprinkles.
7. Once you have created a model for each stage of the cell cycle, summarize what is
happening in each stage in the table below.
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Stage
Summary of important events
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Cytokinesis
8. Label the following on your construction paper:
❏ Interphase
❏ Anaphase
❏ Prophase
❏ Telophase
❏ Metaphase
❏ Cytokinesis
9. Include a key for the sprinkles - what color is the chromosome, spindle fibers, etc.)
10. Once your teacher confirms that your model and summary are accurate, you may
consume what remains of your Oreo cookie models. Sweep all crumbs into the trashcan.
How creative are you? Can you think of a sentence to help you remember the order of events
in the cell cycle?
Example: ​I​n ​P​rivate, ​M​y ​A​unt​ T​alks​ C​hinese
I_____________________
P____________________
M____________________
A____________________
T____________________
C____________________