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.
Interphase
Let’s enter the cell cycle just as a cell forms, by division of its
mother cell. What must this newborn cell do next if it wants to go on
and divide itself? Preparation for division happens in three steps:
G1 During G1start subscript, 1, end subscript phase, also called the
first gap phase, the cell grows physically larger, copies organelles,
and makes the molecular building blocks it will need in later steps.
S phase (Synthesis) In S phase, the cell synthesizes a complete
copy of the DNA in its nucleus. It also duplicates a microtubule-
organizing structure called the centrosome. The centrosomes help
separate DNA during M phase.
G2 During the second gap phase, or G2start subscript, 2, end
subscript phase, the cell grows more, makes proteins and organelles,
and begins to reorganize its contents in preparation for mitosis. G_22
start subscript, 2, end subscript phase ends when mitosis begins.
The G1 and G2phases together are known as interphase. The
prefix inter- means between, reflecting that interphase takes place
between one mitotic (M) phase and the next.
Stages of Interphase
Gap 1
After cells have finished dividing their chromosomes, and cytokinesis has
divided the cell membrane, the two new cells enter the first stage of
interphase, Gap 1 or G1. During this stage, the cell performs its normal
functions, and grows in size. The cell replicates organelles as necessary. As
seen in the graphic above, cells can sometimes leave G1 and enter G0, or
resting phase, as described above. If the cell is an actively dividing cell, it
will continue interphase by entering the next phase synthesis.
Synthesis
During synthesis, the cell pauses its normal functioning. All resources are
dedicated to replicating the DNA. This process starts with the two
entwined stands of DNA being “unzipped” by various proteins. Other
proteins, known as polymerase enzymes, start creating new strands to pair
with each half of the DNA. This is done on each chromosome, which
creates an identical copy of each, bound together as sister chromatids. If
the cell is a somatic cell, it will enter mitosis after interphase and the sister
chromatids will be separated, creating two identical copies of the genome
in each cell. If the cell will give rise to a gamete it will enter meiosis after
interphase. In meiosis, homologous chromosomes are separated in one
division, then sister chromatid in the next, creating cells with only half of a
full genome. These cells enter interphase, but synthesis stage cannot
occur until fertilization occurs with another gamete. Either way, after
synthesis, the cell must prepare for cell division.
Gap 2
After the DNA has been replicated during synthesis stage, the cell enters a
second gap stage, known as Gap 2 or G2. During G2 the cell the cell adds
volume to the cytoplasm, and replicates many important organelles. In
animals, the mitochondria are replicated to provide enough energy for the
dividing cell. In plants, both the mitochondria and the chloroplasts must be
replicated to provide the daughter cells with organelles capable of
producing energy. G2 extends until the cell enters cell division, seen as the
“M” in the diagram above. The cell divides through mitosis, and the
sequence starts again. If the cell divides through meiosis, the gamete
must become fertilized with more DNA before fully entering into interphase
and allowing the cycle to continue.
Related Biology Terms
Mitosis – A type of cell division in eukaryotes that creates
identical daughter cells.
Cytokinesis – The division of a cell membrane into two cells;
the process that completes cell division.
Resting Phase – A non-dividing stage of interphase that some
cells can enter.
Meiosis – Two consecutive cell divisions between which no DNA
replication takes place.
Interphase Definition
Interphase is the longest stage in the eukaryote cell cycle. During
interphase, the cell acquires nutrients, creates and uses proteins and other
molecules, and starts the process of cell division by replicating the DNA.
Interphase is divided into three distinct stages, Gap 1, Synthesis, and Gap
2, which are discussed below. The purpose of interphase in all cell types is
to prepare for cell division, which happens in a different stage of the cell
cycle.
Depending on which species of organism is dividing, the functions of the
cell during interphase can vary widely. Some cell, like neurons, do not
replicate their DNA during interphase, but enter resting
phase or quiescence instead. This stage can be seen in the graphic below
as the G0 stage. In this state the cell will exist without dividing until the
cell dies. Other cells, like skin cells, divide a lot. Each time, they must pass
through interphase (I) to accumulate resources to structure the new cells
and replicate the DNA. The unique proteins produce by skin cells help
them bond together after they die, creating a solid surface of skin cells
that protects your body.
In bacteria, the cell cycle is broken into different stages, not called
interphase, but containing many of the same steps, including DNA
replication. The two divisions of meiosis are also separated by a special
interphase, known as interkinesis in which the DNA does not replicate.
This leads to a cell division that reduces the amount of DNA in each cell.
However, a typical interphase in a cell will proceed as follows:
