Interphase
Grow and copy DNA.
Copy, separate, divide
Autumn 2 · Week 1 · 40 minutes
Learning intention
I can describe the cell cycle and use chromosome evidence to explain mitosis.
Success criteria
- Place DNA copying before mitosis.
- Use chromosome positions to name mitosis stages.
- Explain how each daughter cell receives a full set.
Use Next to begin. Ask for word help or your usual support when needed.
From one cell to two
Retrieve three ideas, then predict.
Which structure holds chromosomes in a typical body cell?
What information does DNA carry?
Does growth always mean only making a cell larger?
What must be copied before one cell becomes two?
Teaching diagram; not to scale.
Share a full set
Our model cell starts with two different chromosomes.
Both new cells need the full information.
Predict why dividing before copying would fail.
Use the two coloured shapes as evidence.
Teaching diagram; not to scale.
What must happen before successful nuclear division?
Separate the three events
Preparation comes before mitosis.
Interphase: the cell grows, makes more subcellular structures and copies DNA.
Mitosis: copied genetic material separates into two nuclei.
Cytokinesis: the cytoplasm divides into two cells.
Teaching diagram; not to scale.
Mitosis
Divide the nucleus.
Cytokinesis
Divide the cytoplasm.
Control the cell-cycle model
Inspect a snapshot, then name its evidence.
Use Previous or Next to inspect the model.
Choose the stage shown.
Choose where DNA copying belongs.
Check your two answers and explain one visible clue.
Teaching diagram; not to scale.
Paper or spoken route
Use the six printed snapshots. Name each stage and mark DNA copying in interphase before prophase.
Read the chromosome evidence
The positions change through mitosis.
Prophase: copied chromosomes condense; the nuclear membrane breaks down.
Metaphase: chromosomes line up near the middle.
Anaphase: sister chromatids separate to opposite ends.
Telophase: new nuclei form around the two sets.
Count information, not just shapes
The model starts with two chromosomes.
After DNA copying, each has two sister copies.
Each daughter cell receives two chromosomes.
That is a full set for this model.
Successful mitosis keeps the genetic information the same.
Teaching diagram; not to scale.
What should each daughter cell receive in this model?
A new cell model
This model starts with three chromosomes.
Put P, R and K in order.
Place DNA copying between the correct cards.
State the chromosome count in each daughter cell.
Explain why each needs one copy of every chromosome.
Name one limit of these drawings.
Card K
Card P
Card R
P
One cell before DNA copying.
R
The copied material is moving into two full sets in one cell.
K
Two cells have formed. Each has a full set.
Supported
Order P, R and K. Use the word cards to place DNA copying and explain the full set.
Use one card at a time. Say it, point, or ask an adult to write your exact words.
Standard
Complete all tasks and name two mitosis stages from visible evidence.
Use the evidence first. Try your last answer without a sentence frame.
Stretch
Explain why DNA amount can double before chromosome number changes, and why a drawing of X shapes needs a model limit.
Explain what the evidence can and cannot show.
No name is needed. Save your written notes before closing or reloading.
Explain the full sequence
Use preparation → nuclear division → cell division.
State when DNA is copied.
Name two mitosis stages using what moves.
Explain the daughter-cell outcome.
Lundy Loop
Choose how to share. Your adult will listen and say what happens next.
Lesson complete
Show one thing you learned.
Tell your adult what helped or what needs another look.
Save any written notes you want to keep. Your teacher will agree the next step.
Use Print for pupil sheets or Back to revisit a stage.