Part A:

For the human cells listed in the table, it takes about 12 hours to copy the genetic material, get ready to divide, and undergo division. However, as the table shows, the life span of each cell type differs.

Cell Type Average Life Span
Skin cell 2 weeks
Liver cell 300-500 days
Red blood cell 4 months
Which part of the cell cycle is most likely responsible for the varying cell life spans?

A.
the G1 phase

B.
the S phase

C.
the G2 phase

D.
the M phase

1 answer

The varying cell life spans among different cell types are most closely associated with the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

During the G1 phase, cells are metabolically active, growing, and preparing for DNA synthesis. The length of time a cell spends in G1 can vary significantly depending on the type of cell and its specific functions, contributing to the overall lifespan of the cell.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. the G1 phase