Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle during which the cell prepares for division. It is the longest phase and consists of three main stages: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). Here’s what happens during interphase:
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Cells replicate (duplicate) their chromosomes: This occurs during the S phase of interphase. Each chromosome is duplicated, resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome.
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DNA coils up into chromosomes: Although the DNA is not coiled into visible chromosomes during interphase (it exists as chromatin), the chromosomes do condense in preparation for mitosis, which occurs after interphase.
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The cell divides: This does not happen during interphase. Cell division occurs after interphase during the mitotic phase (M phase), which follows interphase.
In summary, during interphase, the main event is the replication of DNA, but the actual division of the cell occurs later, after interphase is complete.
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