Which of the following correctly matches each phase of interphase with its primary cellular activity?

• A. G1 phase: preparation for mitosis; S phase: cell division; G2 phase: DNA replication
• B. G1 phase: cell growth; S phase: DNA replication; G2 phase: preparation for mitosis
• C. G1 phase: DNA replication; S phase: cell growth; G2 phase: mitosis
• D. G1 phase: mitosis; S phase: preparation for mitosis; G2 phase: cell growth

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of interphase in the cell cycle. Interphase is the phase where the cell prepares for division and consists of three subphases: G1, S, and G2.
2. Step 2: Clarify the primary activities of each subphase. In the G1 phase, the cell grows and performs normal metabolic activities. In the S phase, DNA replication occurs, ensuring that each daughter cell will have a complete set of genetic material. In the G2 phase, the cell prepares for mitosis by synthesizing proteins and organelles needed for cell division.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Match the descriptions of each phase with their correct primary activities based on the biological understanding of interphase.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, G1 phase does not involve DNA replication or mitosis, S phase does not involve cell growth, and G2 phase does not involve DNA replication or mitosis directly.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct answer based on the accurate descriptions of each phase: G1 phase corresponds to cell growth, S phase corresponds to DNA replication, and G2 phase corresponds to preparation for mitosis.