During the eukaryotic cell cycle, in which stage is DNA replicated?

• A. M phase (mitosis)
• B. G2 phase of interphase
• C. G1 phase of interphase
• D. S phase of interphase

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phases of the eukaryotic cell cycle: M phase (mitosis), G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase, all of which occur during interphase except M phase.
2. Recall that DNA replication is the process of copying the entire genome to prepare for cell division.
3. Identify that DNA replication must occur before mitosis to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
4. Recognize that the S phase (Synthesis phase) of interphase is specifically dedicated to DNA replication.
5. Conclude that DNA is replicated during the S phase of interphase, not during M phase, G1, or G2 phases.