Role of p53 in the Cell Cycle

Resource Type
Description
This activity analyzes a published scientific figure from a study that investigated the role of p53 in cell cycle regulation.
In this study, scientists genetically engineered cell lines with disrupted alleles of the p53 gene. The scientists exposed the cell lines to DNA-damaging gamma (γ) radiation, then observed the proportion of cells that entered mitosis (cell division). The figure shows the mitotic index (proportion of cells undergoing mitosis at a given time) for each cell line. The shaded squares represent cells with two normal alleles of the p53 gene. The half-shaded squares represent cells with one normal and one disrupted allele of the p53 gene. The unshaded squares represent cells in which both alleles of the p53 gene were disrupted. The “Educator Materials” document includes a captioned figure, background information, graph interpretation, and discussion questions. The “Student Handout” includes a captioned figure and background information.
Student Learning Targets
- Analyze and interpret data from a scientific figure.
- Describe the role of p53 in the cell cycle.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
allele, cancer, gene knockout, genetic engineering, line graph, mitosis, tumor suppressor
Primary Literature
Bunz, F., A. Dutriaux, C. Lengauer, T. Waldman, S. Zhou, J. P. Brown, J. M. Sedivy, W. Kinzler, B. Vogelstein. "Requirement for p53 and p21 to Sustain G2 Arrest after DNA Damage." Science 282, 5393 (1998): 1497–1501. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.282.5393.1497.
To access this article, set up a free AAAS account. An annotated version of the article is also available from Science in the Classroom.
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS1-4; SEP2, SEP4, SEP5
AP Biology (2019)
IST-1.B, IST-1.D, IST-1.E; SP1, SP4
IB Biology (2016)
1.6
AP Environmental Science (2020)
Topic(s): 9.1
Learning Objectives & Practices: STB-4.A
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9-12.7
Math.S-ID.3, Math.S-ID.1; MP2, MP5
Vision and Change (2009)
CC5; DP2, DP3