During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA duplicated prior to mitosis?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Telophase
• C. S phase of interphase
• D. Prophase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phases of the cell cycle, which include interphase (G1, S, G2 phases) and mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase).
2. Recall that DNA duplication, or DNA replication, occurs before mitosis to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
3. Identify that the S phase (Synthesis phase) of interphase is the specific period during which DNA replication takes place.
4. Recognize that metaphase and telophase are stages of mitosis, which occur after DNA has already been duplicated.
5. Conclude that DNA is duplicated during the S phase of interphase, prior to the mitotic phases such as prophase, metaphase, and telophase.