In the eukaryotic cell cycle associated with mitosis, during which phase is DNA replicated?

• A. G2 phase of interphase
• B. G1 phase of interphase
• C. S phase of interphase
• D. Prophase of mitosis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phases of the eukaryotic cell cycle, which include G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase (all part of interphase), and the mitotic phase (including prophase).
2. Recall that DNA replication is the process of copying the entire genome to prepare for cell division, ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
3. Identify that DNA replication does not occur during the G1 phase (cell growth and preparation), nor during G2 phase (final preparations for mitosis), nor during prophase (early mitosis stage).
4. Recognize that the S phase (Synthesis phase) of interphase is specifically dedicated to DNA replication, where the cell synthesizes a complete copy of its DNA.
5. Conclude that the correct phase for DNA replication in the eukaryotic cell cycle is the S phase of interphase.