Here's a breakdown:
* Interphase is the longest stage of the cell cycle, where the cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for division. It's further divided into three sub-phases:
* G1 Phase (First Gap): The cell grows and synthesizes proteins and organelles.
* S Phase (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs, creating two identical copies of the genome.
* G2 Phase (Second Gap): The cell continues to grow and produces proteins necessary for cell division.
* M Phase (Mitosis): This is the stage where the cell actually divides, consisting of:
* Mitosis: The nucleus divides into two nuclei.
* Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, forming two daughter cells.
So, while the cell carries out its normal functions throughout Interphase, DNA replication specifically happens in the S phase of Interphase.
