Cell Cycle and Cancer Coloring

Cellular Control Systems — 12th Grade Science

Name:

Date:

🎨 Part 1: Color the Cell Cycle Diagram

Directions: Use the color key below to shade each phase of the cell cycle in the diagram. Then answer the questions that follow.

Color Key:
🔵 G1 (Gap 1) — Color blue
🟢 S Phase (DNA Synthesis) — Color green
🟡 G2 (Gap 2) — Color yellow
🔴 M Phase (Mitosis) — Color red
⚫ G0 (Resting Phase) — Color gray

Draw and color the cell cycle circle above using the color key. Label each phase with its name and one key event that occurs during it.

1. Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?

G1 Phase

S Phase

G2 Phase

M Phase

2. During which phase does the cell physically divide (cytokinesis)?

S Phase

M Phase

3. G0 is considered a resting phase. Which types of cells are most likely to remain in G0? (Select all that apply)

Mature nerve cells (neurons)

Skin cells actively replacing damaged tissue

Mature muscle cells

Bone marrow stem cells

🔬 Part 2: Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cancer

Directions: Use what you know about cellular control systems to answer the questions below.

4. Cell cycle checkpoints act like "quality control" stops. Match each checkpoint to its function:

G1 Checkpoint

G2 Checkpoint

M (Spindle) Checkpoint

Ensures chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibers

Checks that DNA replication was completed correctly

Checks cell size and DNA integrity before replication begins

5. A mutation causes the G1 checkpoint to stop functioning. What is the most likely outcome?

The cell permanently enters G0

The cell divides uncontrollably, potentially forming a tumor

DNA replication speeds up but remains accurate

The cell skips mitosis entirely

6. Compare a normal cell to a cancer cell by filling in the table below:

Hint: Consider contact inhibition, checkpoint function, rate of division, and ability to spread.

7. Proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes both regulate the cell cycle. Explain the role of each and what happens when they mutate.

8. 🎨 Color & Label: In the box below, draw two cells side by side — one normal cell undergoing controlled division and one cancer cell dividing uncontrollably. Use blue for normal cells and red for cancer cells. Add at least two labels to each.