Which statement best describes interphase?

Which statement best describes interphase?

• A. The cell divides.
• B. The cell grows, performs normal functions, and prepares for division.
• C. The cell's chromosomes condense.
• D. The cell splits into four cells.

Answer: (B)

Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing. During this time the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and duplicates its DNA so it’s ready to divide later. That combination of growth, metabolic activity, and DNA replication fits best with the statement about the cell growing, performing normal functions, and preparing for division. Dividing occurs during mitosis (and cytokinesis), not interphase, so that option doesn’t describe this phase. Chromosome condensation happens when mitosis begins (prophase), not during interphase when chromosomes are generally in a less condensed form. Splitting into four cells would be a result of certain division processes (like meiosis producing four gametes) and is not what happens during interphase either.

Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing. During this time the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and duplicates its DNA so it’s ready to divide later. That combination of growth, metabolic activity, and DNA replication fits best with the statement about the cell growing, performing normal functions, and preparing for division.

Dividing occurs during mitosis (and cytokinesis), not interphase, so that option doesn’t describe this phase. Chromosome condensation happens when mitosis begins (prophase), not during interphase when chromosomes are generally in a less condensed form. Splitting into four cells would be a result of certain division processes (like meiosis producing four gametes) and is not what happens during interphase either.