In a typical eukaryotic cell cycle, which stage is generally the longest?

• A. M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis)
• B. Anaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Interphase

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the main stages of the eukaryotic cell cycle: Interphase and M phase. Interphase includes G1, S, and G2 phases, while M phase includes mitosis and cytokinesis.
2. Recall that Interphase is the period when the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis, whereas M phase is the process of cell division itself.
3. Recognize that M phase is subdivided into prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which are relatively short compared to Interphase.
4. Compare the durations: Interphase generally takes up the majority of the cell cycle time, often around 90%, while M phase is much shorter.
5. Conclude that among the options given, Interphase is the longest stage in the typical eukaryotic cell cycle.