The longest stage of the cell cycle is interphase.
Interphase: The Cell's Longest Phase
According to the provided reference, a typical cell spends the majority of its life in interphase. During this phase, the cell prepares for division through crucial processes, including:
- DNA Replication: The cell copies its DNA to ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information.
- Growth and Metabolism: The cell grows in size and carries out its normal metabolic functions.
Because of these complex and time-consuming processes, interphase is significantly longer than the other phases of the cell cycle, such as mitosis. In fact, the reference states that it is the longest stage of the cell cycle.
