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