Unit 7: Cellular Reproduction: Mitosis
This unit discusses the process of cellular division known as mitosis. Mitosis happens in almost every cell of your body and is responsible for growth as well as the replacement of damaged cells. Serious consequences, such as cancer, can occur if this cell cycle is disrupted in some way. The topics you will study in this unit are essential in understanding basic principles about your health.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- differentiate DNA from RNA;
- recognize the phases of mitosis;
- describe the cell cycle;
- describe what occurs in each of the phases of mitosis; and
- explain the purpose of mitosis
7.1: The Basis of Molecular Biology
Read this section, which gives an overview of DNA and RNA and how these important nucleic acids are the foundation for life.
7.2: DNA and RNA
Read each of the sections in Module 9. These sections give an in-depth look at DNA and RNA. Note the differences between the structures of DNA and RNA. Be sure to also complete each of the activities that accompany these sections.
7.3: Cell Division
Read this section to learn about the cell cycle and mitosis. Be sure to also complete the multiple choice and free response questions.
Watch this lecture for a tour of the process of mitosis.
Prokaryotic cells typically reproduce by binary fission, which is much simpler than eukaryotic cell reproduction. Read this section and note the differences observed in prokaryotic cell reproduction. Be sure to also complete the multiple choice and free response questions.
Unit 7 Assessment
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.