AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During interphase, the cell grows and makes a copy of its DNA. During the mitotic (M) phase, the cell separates its DNA into two sets and divides its cytoplasm, forming two new cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Common mistakes and misconceptions. Interphase is not part of mitosis. Although we often talk about interphase and mitosis together, interphase is technically not part of mitosis.

Detailed explanation-3: -On this slide, there are 21 cells in interphase, 4 in prophase, 2 in metaphase, and 1 in telophase. Why are most of the cells in interphase? Recall that interphase makes up the majority of the cell cycle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cells in your body that no longer divide, such as nerve and muscle cells, are always in interphase. An actively dividing cell, such as a skin cell, copies its genetic material and prepares for cell division during interphase.

Detailed explanation-5: -However, mitosis and cytokinesis last only about an hour, so approximately 95% of the cell cycle is spent in interphase-the period between mitoses.