======Sock Mitosis======


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**Alternative titles:** Sock Chromosomes
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Draw a large circle on a sheet of paper to represent the cell.  
  - Gather four pairs of socks (each pair should look different to represent different chromosomes).  
  - **Interphase:** Place four single socks inside the circle in a jumble to represent unduplicated chromosomes.  
  - **Replication:** Add the matching socks to each original sock so each pair is now two identical socks, showing chromosome duplication. (You can place them side by side to show sister chromatids.)  
  - **Prophase:** Rearrange the duplicated sock pairs into an “X” shape to show condensed chromosomes.  
  - **Metaphase:** Line up all duplicated sock pairs across the center of the circle.  
  - **Anaphase:** Separate the matching socks and move one from each pair to opposite sides of the circle.  
  - **Telophase:** Group the socks into two bundles on opposite sides of the circle to represent the reformation of nuclei.  
  - **Cytokinesis:** Draw a line across the circle to divide it into two smaller circles, each containing one complete set of socks (chromosomes).  




====Links==== 
Mitosis- Dr. Steve Griffith: 
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====Variations====
  * Use different colored or patterned socks to make chromosomes more distinct.  
  * Have students act out mitosis using socks on the classroom floor instead of paper.  
  * Extend the demonstration by showing meiosis with the same sock method.


====Safety Precautions====
  * No hazards—safe classroom activity.  
  * Keep socks clean and organized for reuse.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why is it important that each new “cell” ends up with the same number of socks as the original? (Because mitosis produces identical daughter cells.)  
  * How does this model show that chromosomes duplicate before division? (Each sock gains a partner, representing replication.)  
  * What part of the cycle ensures genetic consistency from one cell to the next? (The even separation of chromatids during anaphase.)