When your skin cells are in the process of healing the cut, they need to replicate their DNA and undergo cell division. The scenario you described corresponds to the stage of the cell cycle where DNA replication has just occurred, and the cells are preparing to divide.
Given the options:
- a G2 Checkpoint - checking cell size and DNA replication, 46 pairs of chromosomes
- b S - duplication of the DNA, 23 pairs chromosomes
- c G1 Checkpoint - checking cell size and for enough proteins, 46 pairs of chromosomes
- d M - complete cell division, 23 pairs chromosomes
The correct answer is a: G2 Checkpoint - checking cell size and DNA replication, 46 pairs of chromosomes.
In the G2 phase, the cell has completed DNA replication (therefore there would be 46 pairs of chromosomes, since each chromosomal pair is duplicated). The cells will eventually proceed to mitosis (M phase) to complete the cell division process.