FlinnPREP™ Inquiry Labs for AP® Biology: Cancer and the Loss of Cell Cycle Control

Product Details

Big Idea 3, Investigation 7, Science Practices 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

The cell cycle has been infiltrated, controls are failing and cell division is out of control! Cell division is regulated by a complex set of cell signals. Three checkpoints in the cell cycle control whether the division process proceeds normally, halts for repairs or triggers cell death. What happens when infection by a virus or radiation causes the controls to fail? What are the consequences of uncontrolled cell division?

This Flinn Inquiry Lab Kit begins with a Baseline Activity that instructs students to compare normal karyotypes to two known cancerous karyotypes. After these karyotypes have been identified, students will evaluate and assess two unknown karyotypes. In the Opportunities for Inquiry portion of the lab, students are guided to conduct research into aneuploidy and translocation in a cancer type of their own choosing. One or more karyotypes for these other cancers can be found online. Students then prepare a mini-poster or presentation to share with their peers.

Includes detailed teacher notes, printable student handouts and sample karyotypes for eight groups of students.