AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A cell spends most of its time in what is called interphase, and during this time it grows, replicates its chromosomes, and prepares for cell division. The cell then leaves interphase, undergoes mitosis, and completes its division.

Detailed explanation-2: -Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle in which a typical cell spends most of its life. Interphase is the ‘daily living’ or metabolic phase of the cell, in which the cell obtains nutrients and metabolizes them, grows, replicates its DNA in preparation for mitosis, and conducts other “normal” cell functions.

Detailed explanation-3: -However, mitosis and cytokinesis last only about an hour, so approximately 95% of the cell cycle is spent in interphase-the period between mitoses. During interphase, the chromosomes are decondensed and distributed throughout the nucleus, so the nucleus appears morphologically uniform.

Detailed explanation-4: -During interphase, the cell undergoes normal growth processes while also preparing for cell division. It is the longest phase of the cell cycle, cell spends approximately 90% of its time in this phase. In order for a cell to move from interphase into the mitotic phase, many internal and external conditions must be met.

Detailed explanation-5: -A cell spends the longest in Interphase due to the following reasons: Cell growth takes place during this period. DNA synthesis takes place which is in preparation for pre-mitotic division. Replication of chromosomes takes place.