In which phase do cells rest?
A. anaphase
B. metaphase
C. interphase
D. prophase
C. interphase
Cells rest during the interphase.
The correct answer is C. interphase.
To understand why cells rest during interphase, let's first briefly go through the cell cycle. The cell cycle is a series of events that occur in a cell leading to its division into two daughter cells. It consists of several phases: interphase, mitosis (which comprises prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase), and cytokinesis.
During interphase, a cell prepares itself for division by growing and replicating its DNA. This phase can be further divided into three sub-phases: G1 (gap 1), S (synthesis), and G2 (gap 2).
In G1 phase, the cell grows and performs its normal functions. It acquires nutrients and synthesizes important molecules. It is not resting, like cells in a state of quiescence or dormancy, but it is actively involved in various metabolic activities.
In S phase, the cell replicates its DNA. This ensures that each daughter cell resulting from division will receive a full set of genetic material.
In G2 phase, the cell continues to grow and prepare for division. It synthesizes proteins and organelles needed for cell division.
Cells spend the majority of their time in interphase, as this is the period where they are actively growing and preparing for division. Only a small fraction of the cell cycle is dedicated to mitosis, where the actual division occurs.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. interphase, as it is the phase in which cells rest and prepare themselves for division by growing and replicating their DNA.