What is the longest phase of the cell cycle?

The longest phase of the cell cycle is the interphase, which constitutes about 90% of the cycle. Interphase is further divided into three sub-phases, namely G1, S, and G2.

During the G1 phase, the cell undergoes growth, where it increases in size and synthesizes RNA, proteins, and other essential molecules required for DNA synthesis. This phase is followed by the S phase, where DNA synthesis occurs, resulting in the formation of identical copies of the genetic material.

The G2 phase follows the S phase, where the cell prepares for the final stage of the cell cycle, mitosis. During G2 phase, the cell undergoes the final growth phase, and essential organelles such as mitochondria and centrosomes are duplicated.

Interphase is a critical phase in the cell cycle as it decides whether the cell will continue with the division process or not. During this phase, the cell checks for any errors in DNA replication, damage to DNA, and assesses environmental conditions. If the cell finds any defects in the DNA, it may undergo apoptosis, resulting in programmed cell death.