Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Mitosis: Using a toxic compound from the yew tree in cancer therapy Virtual Lab

Join a cell biology research group to find out how a poisonous compound from a yew tree can be used in cancer therapy. You will be immersed in an animation of a human cell and use light and fluorescence microscopy to study cell division.

Try NowTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

Higher Education

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Read Case Studies
Blue Arrow Right
 
Mitosis: Using a toxic compound from the yew tree in cancer therapy

About this Simulation

How can a toxic compound be used in medicine? Paclitaxel, isolated from yew trees, can kill large animals like horses but is also used in cancer therapy. In this simulation, you will learn how cells divide and how they are affected by poisonous paclitaxel.

How is DNA packaged?

Start by diving into a blood sample to find out how DNA is packaged in an immersive animation of the cell. Find the DNA inside the nucleus and then zoom in from the chromosomes all the way to individual nucleotides.

Use microscopy to study mitosis

Understand the different stages of mitosis through interactive graphics and quiz questions. Then, prepare a sample of onion cells to observe the phases of mitosis and find out how each phase contributes to successful duplication of the cell. By now, you will understand enough about mitosis to replicate the process in a computer model.

Test the effect of paclitaxel

Finally, combine all your new skills and knowledge to test the effect of paclitaxel on cultured cells. Will the compound inhibit or accelerate cell division? How will it affect cancer cells or animals who eat the yew tree?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Understand and visualize basic concepts about eukaryotic cells such as main cellular components and DNA packaging by immersive animations
  • Understand the key characteristics of the cell cycle's different stages: interphase (G1, S and G2) and mitosis
  • Use different microscopy techniques to observe the different phases of the mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase) and describe their main characteristics
  • Explain the cell cycle checkpoints and name the molecules that control them (cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases) and their function
  • Describe the main differences between mitosis and meiosis

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Light microscopy
  • Fluorescence Microscopy
  • Sample preparation

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Mitosis: Using a toxic compound from the yew tree in cancer therapy" simulation?
What is the simulated Biology scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Biology labs does Labster offer?