Interphase: Study with Video Lessons, Practice Problems & Examples

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, consisting of four subphases: G1, S, G2, and G0. In G1, the cell grows and performs its normal functions. The S phase involves DNA synthesis, where chromosomes replicate, and centrosomes are duplicated, crucial for forming the mitotic spindle during mitosis. G2 continues cell growth and prepares for division. The G0 phase is a non-dividing state where cells may remain temporarily or permanently. Understanding these phases is essential for grasping cell division and the overall cell cycle dynamics.

Interphase

So now that we briefly introduced the Cell Cycle in our previous lesson videos. In this video, we're going to begin to discuss the first major phase of the cell cycle, which is interphase. And so recall from our previous lesson videos that interphase is a non-dividing stage where the cell is not going to be dividing. Instead, interphase is a stage of cell growth and organelle and enzyme production in preparation for cell division. And so interphase typically makes up the vast majority of the cell cycle, and that's because interphase takes quite a long time with respect to the M phase, which is a relatively short period of time because it's a relatively fast process. The dividing phase occurs relatively quickly in comparison to interphase, which takes a long time. And so once again, in this video we're focusing mainly on interphase, the phase that makes up the majority of the cell cycle and takes a long time. And so recall from our previous lesson videos that within interphase there are smaller subphases within. And so the subphases of interphase include 4 subphases and these 4 subphases are based on specific events that occur inside of the cell. And so, the very first, subphase here we have is G₁. And G₁ is where the G here stands for growth, and this is because in the G₁ subphase of interphase, the cell is going to be performing its normal functions. And so if it's a heart cell, it's going to be doing whatever a heart cell does. If it's a liver cell, it's going to be doing whatever a liver cell does and so on. And so in the G₁ subphase of interphase, the cell is going to be performing its normal functions. In addition, it's also going to be growing and producing organelles, enzymes, and proteins. And so when you take a look at the image down below, here, you'll find the G₁ phase. And so really this is where the cell cycle begins is right here, at this position. And so you can see this would be a cell that is first born and this cell that is first born is going to enter interphase the G₁ phase, which is the cell growth. Cell is going to be doing what it normally does and it's going to be growing and producing enzymes and organelles. Then notice that after the G₁ phase, we're actually going to skip over the G₀ phase here for now and we're going to transition straight from the G₁ over into this phase here which is the S phase. And so the S phase, which we have is the second phase here is, the S is symbolic for the S in synthesis. And so this represents DNA synthesis or DNA replication, and that's exactly what the S phase is characterized by. The DNA is going to be synthesized or replicated producing a replicated chromosome with 2 sister chromatids. And so, just as we discussed in our previous lesson videos. And so, in addition to the DNA being synthesized or replicated in the S phase, there's another cytoplasmic protein called the centrosome. Not to be confused with the centromere of or the waist position of a chromosome, of a replicated chromosome. The centrosome is a cytoplasmic protein that we'll get to talk more about its function as we move forward in our course. But the centrosome is going to be important for the M phase for mitosis later down the line. And so the centrosome is going to get replicated during the S phase as well. So it's also replicated during the S phase in addition to the DNA. And so, what you'll notice is in this image of the S phase you can see it's characterized mainly by DNA replication. But in addition to DNA replication, a structure called the centrosome is also going to be replicated. And in this image, again we're going to talk more about the centrosome later in our course, but the centrosome is this structure that you see right here. It's going to get replicated. And so you'll see at the end of the S phase, there are 2 of these centrosomes. And also notice that the unreplicated chromosomes have been changed to replicated chromosomes over here in the nucleus after the S phase DNA replication. And so after the S phase, what the next phase is the G₂ phase. And so the G₂ is the 3rd phase here, and G₂ also stands for growth. And really it's just a continuation of G₁ in a way because the cell is going to grow and produce new proteins. And, because G₂ is the last phase just before the M phase, G₂ is also going to be preparing for the M phase. So it's going to be creating new proteins that are required for the M phase essentially prepping and preparing itself for the phase that follows. And so, what you'll notice here in this image is that, at the end of the G₂ phase or in the G₂ phase, the cell is going to continue to grow so it's characterized by cell growth and also preparation for division, essentially preparing itself for the M phase. Notice that the size of the cell is much larger than it was originally, so the cell has grown in size here at the end of interphase. And so really, G₂ is the phase just before the M phase. And the only phase that we subphase that we have not yet talked about is this G₀ phase here, which is a non-dividing phase where the cell is not dividing. And so, essentially a cell would go from initially, start in the G₁ phase, but, it would only transition into the S phase DNA replication if the cell is going to commit to dividing. But if the cell does not want to commit to dividing, then it will not go into the S phase. Instead, if the cell does not want to commit to dividing, then the cell would go into the G₀ phase. And so G₀ subphase is a non-dividing phase where cells do not divide. It will not divide. It will not continue through the cell cycle as normal. And some cells, will be in the G₀ phase for, a permanent period of time, whereas other cells will enter the G₀ phase for a temporary period of time, and then they can also return back to the G₁ phase and then continue to divide. And so really this is almost like stepping aside and, saying a cell basically saying that they don't want to continue through the cell cycle just yet. They would rather remain in a non-dividing, state. And so this here concludes our introduction to interphase and the subphases of interphase, and we'll be able to get practice applying these concepts and, breaking down this image here as we move forward in our course. So I'll see you all in our next video.

Cells spend the majority of their time in which one of the following phases of the cell cycle?

• A. Interphase.
• B. Prometaphase.
• C. Metaphase.
• D. Anaphase.

The first phase in the cell cycle (G1) corresponds to ___________.

• A. The phase between DNA replication and the M phase.
• B. The beginning of mitosis.
• C. The phase in which DNA is being replicated.
• D. Normal growth and cell function.

Which pair includes a phase of the cell cycle and a cellular process that occurs during that phase?

• A. G1 phase, DNA replication.
• B. G2 phase, preparation for mitosis.
• C. S phase, cell division.
• D. M phase, cell growth.

Centrosomes & Mitotic Spindles

In this video, we're going to briefly introduce centrosomes and mitotic spindles. Recall from our last lesson video that during the S phase of interphase, it's characterized by DNA synthesis where the cell is going to replicate their DNA, but they also replicate another structure called the centrosome. The centrosome is not to be confused with the centromere, which is the waist position of a replicated chromosome where the two sister chromatids come together. The centrosome is different than the centromere. The centrosome is a cytoplasmic protein complex that forms or organizes what are known as the mitotic spindle. And the mitotic spindle is very important for mitosis, which occurs, of course, during the M phase of the cell cycle. The mitotic spindle is really just microtubule proteins of the cytoskeleton that coordinates the division of chromosomes, essentially dividing the DNA, into the two daughter cells.

In our example image, the centrosome is going to be replicated in the S phase, and the centrosome is ultimately going to be responsible for forming the mitotic spindle during mitosis. Notice over here on the left, we're showing you a single cell that has only one centrosome. Notice that a single centrosome actually consists of these two smaller proteins here, and we have one single centrosome right here. Additionally, we have the nucleus of the cell, and within the nucleus, we have these unreplicated chromosomes. After the S phase, remember the S phase is the subphase of interphase where DNA synthesis is going to occur, DNA replication. But in addition to DNA replication, the centrosome is also going to be replicated. Now there are two centrosomes. There was one over here, and now there's a second centrosome over here. The DNA is also going to be replicated, converting the unreplicated chromosomes here into replicated chromosomes. Notice they each have these x-shaped chromosomes here indicating that they are replicated, whereas over here they are not x-shaped; they are more linear like what you see here.

Ultimately, these centrosomes are going to be very important during mitosis because during mitosis, they are going to form what are known as the mitotic spindle. You can see the mitotic spindle as these structures that are projecting off of the centrosome and forming these microtubules, which are going to be important for ultimately moving the DNA around and splitting the division of the chromosomes. This will become more relevant once we start talking about mitosis a little later in our course. So, this is a bit of foreshadowing here for what you are going to see as we move forward. This here concludes our brief introduction to centrosomes and the mitotic spindles, and we'll be able to get some practice as we move forward in our course. So, I'll see you all in our next video.

What is the name of the microtubule-organizing center found in animal cells as an identifiable structure present during all phases of the cell cycle?

a) Spindle.

b) Centromere.

c) Centrosome.

d) Kinetochore.

• A. Spindle.
• B. Centromere.
• C. Centrosome.
• D. Kinetochore.

What is the role of the spindle fibers during mitosis?

• A. They separate the chromosomes.
• B. They break down the nuclear envelope.
• C. They replicate the DNA.
• D. They condense the chromosomes.

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is interphase and why is it important in the cell cycle?

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows, performs its normal functions, and prepares for division. It consists of four subphases: G1, S, G2, and G0. In G1, the cell grows and produces organelles and enzymes. The S phase involves DNA synthesis, where chromosomes replicate, and centrosomes are duplicated. G2 continues cell growth and prepares for mitosis. The G0 phase is a non-dividing state where cells may remain temporarily or permanently. Interphase is crucial because it ensures that the cell is ready for division, with all necessary components duplicated and prepared for the mitotic phase.

What happens during the G1 phase of interphase?

During the G1 phase of interphase, the cell grows and performs its normal functions. This phase is characterized by the production of organelles, enzymes, and proteins necessary for the cell's activities. If the cell is a heart cell, it will perform functions specific to heart cells; if it is a liver cell, it will perform liver-specific functions. Additionally, the cell increases in size and prepares for DNA replication, which will occur in the subsequent S phase. The G1 phase is essential for ensuring that the cell is adequately prepared for the synthesis and division processes that follow.

What is the significance of the S phase in interphase?

The S phase, or synthesis phase, is crucial in interphase because it is when DNA replication occurs. During this phase, each chromosome is duplicated, resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome. Additionally, the centrosome, a cytoplasmic protein complex, is also replicated. The centrosomes are essential for forming the mitotic spindle during mitosis, which helps in the accurate division of chromosomes into daughter cells. The S phase ensures that the cell has a complete set of genetic information and the necessary structures for successful cell division.

What is the role of the G2 phase in interphase?

The G2 phase is the final subphase of interphase, where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis. During this phase, the cell produces new proteins and organelles required for cell division. It also checks for any DNA damage that may have occurred during the S phase and ensures that all DNA has been accurately replicated. The G2 phase is essential for ensuring that the cell is fully prepared for the mitotic phase, with all necessary components in place and any errors corrected before proceeding to division.

What is the G0 phase, and when do cells enter this phase?

The G0 phase is a non-dividing state in the cell cycle where cells exit the cycle and cease to divide. Cells enter the G0 phase from the G1 phase if they do not commit to DNA replication and division. Some cells enter G0 temporarily and can re-enter the cell cycle when conditions are favorable, while others remain in G0 permanently. This phase is significant for cells that do not need to divide frequently, such as nerve cells and muscle cells, allowing them to perform their specialized functions without undergoing division.