Description of Interactive

Microscope Lab

The whitefish blastula cells are stained purple. There are about 30 cells in view, with dark purple chromosomes visible. Some cells are only light purple and do not show any chromosomes.  

While all cells are in one phase of the cell cycle, not every cell will show this clearly on a given microscope slide. Neither will all phases of the cell cycle be represented in any given sample.

Three cells are undergoing Prophase. The chromosomes are lined up in the centre of the cell.

Three cells are undergoing Metaphase. The chromosomes are lined up in the centre of the cell.

Three cells are undergoing Anaphase. The chromosomes are being pulled apart.

Two pairs of cells are undergoing Cytokinesis and have almost completely separated into identical daughter cells.