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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Paper Plate Mitosis

Paper Plate Mitosis

Modified: Jul 18, 2022 · Published: Oct 5, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Mitosis is the stage of the cell cycle where the cell divides. Mitosis is used by multicellular organisms to grow or replace damaged cells. This paper plate mitosis activity uses pipe cleaners to show the stages of mitosis.

The key thing to remember about mitosis is that it produces two new daughter cells from one parent cell. Each daughter cell is genetically identical to the parent cell.

Mitosis is different to Meiosis where each new cell is not identical to the parent cell and only has half the number of chromosomes of a normal cell.

diagram showing the 23 pairs of chromosomes found in a normal cell.
Chromosomes of a normal cell

Paper Plate Mitosis

We used pipe cleaners and paper plates to demonstrate mitosis in a very basic way!

Image of paper plates with pipe cleaners used to represent chromosomes to show the stages of mitosis
Paper Plate Mitosis on a DNA background

Interphase

This is when a cell is getting ready to divide. It increases the number of subcellular structures ( mitochondria, ribosomes etc), duplicates its DNA and forms chromosomes.

A chromosome has two arms, the left has the same DNA as the right.

Each arm is called a chromatid.

Image showing a cell, nucleus and DNA

Mitosis

When a DNA has copied it’s contents and DNA it can go through the process of mitosis to divide.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense to become shorter, the membrane around the nucleus breaks down leaving the chromosomes free in the cytoplasm.

Metaphase

Chromsomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

Spindle fibres form and pull the chromosomes apart. One chromatid from each chromosome moves to each end of the cell.

Telophase

Membranes form around each set of chromosomes. Each new cell now has it’s own nucleus.

Finally the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to give two separate new cells. This is cytokinesis.

Mitosis shown with paper plates and pipe cleaners with detail on the image of each stage.
Paper Plate Mitosis

Mitosis – Quick Facts

Mitosis is where one cell divides into two genetically identical cells.

Mitosis occurs mostly for growth and replacement of damaged cells.

Mitosis is part of the cell cycle and usually divided into 5 stages.

More cell biology for kids

Find out about cell structure and function of subcellular structures with my cell models.

Create a DNA model using candy to learn about the double helix structure.

Collage of paper plates and pipe cleaners used to demonstrate mitosis.

Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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